At least 21 passengers are feared killed after two passenger boats collided at Imore town, located in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Monday when two unregistered passenger boats, each carrying 16 passengers, collided in the middle of the lagoon, resulting in both boats capsizing.
The Lagos State Police Command, through spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the accident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday. According to Hundeyin, emergency responders, including marine police officers, local divers, and other agencies, were swiftly mobilized to the scene to conduct rescue operations.
“Out of the 32 passengers involved, 11 were rescued with injuries and have been rushed to the Navy Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for immediate medical care,” Hundeyin reported. The search-and-rescue operation is ongoing, with the authorities working tirelessly to recover the remaining bodies feared to have drowned.
As investigations into the cause of the collision are underway, the police have emphasized the importance of boat operators adhering to safety protocols, including registering their vessels and ensuring passengers wear life jackets.
READ ALSO :Â NSEMA recovers 16 more corpses from Niger boat mishap
Credible News recalls that the Niger State Emergency Management Agency had recovered an additional 16 corpses following the tragic boat accident in Gbajibo, Niger State on 2nd of October.
The disaster occurred when an overloaded boat carrying 300 passengers from the Mundi Community to Gbajibo for the Maulid celebration capsized. While 150 passengers were rescued immediately, search-and-rescue operations continue to locate the remaining missing passengers.
These boat accidents and many more, have reignited concerns about water transport safety in Nigeria, as calls grow for the enforcement of stricter maritime laws to prevent future tragedies. Authorities are also appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the rescue efforts and ongoing investigations.
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