Two persons were killed while 13 others are missing after a boat accident at Akede community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The mishap occurred on Tuesday evening when a speedboat collided with a fishing boat, resulting in the deaths of a woman and a young girl.

The ill-fated speedboat, identified as Meeting Marine, was en route from Anyama-Ijaw to Lobia and Foropa communities when it struck a wooden fishing boat at the Akede community waterfront. The impact of the collision led to the immediate drowning of two passengers on the fishing boat.

Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Musa Muhammad, confirmed that the driver of the speedboat is in police custody for questioning as investigations into the incident continue.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the 13 missing passengers who were aboard the speedboat at the time of the accident.

READ ALSO: Teen drowns in old Ogun quarry

Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in Bayelsa, Mr. Ogoniba Ipigansi, stated that divers had been deployed to the scene in an attempt to find survivors. He expressed optimism that those on the speedboat might be rescued, as all of them were reportedly wearing life jackets.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with locals and emergency responders scrambling to assist in the search-and-rescue mission. The waterways remain an essential transportation route in the region, but accidents like this highlight ongoing safety concerns.

Authorities have urged boat operators to exercise extreme caution, particularly at night or in high-traffic areas, to prevent further tragedies. The search for the missing passengers continues as families anxiously await news of their loved ones.

NAN