19 rescued alive as boat mishap claims three
A devastating boat mishap occurred on the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, resulting in the loss of
three lives, including a toddler.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with the Bonny Local Government Area confirming the incident and extending its sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims.
The Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, in a statement on Monday, signed by the Secretary to the Bonny LGA, John Gabriel-Pepple, said she was deeply saddened by the incident.
According to the statement, preliminary findings showed that the mishap was caused by a sudden rise of an oceanic storm that troubled the boat, leading to the unfortunate incident.
The LGA also confirmed that 19 survivors were immediately taken for medical attention at the expense of the Bonny Local Government.
The statement read: “We extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. May God grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
However, in a disturbing twist, the LG revealed that a passenger boat encountered the scene of the incident but refused to stop and rescue the victims while they were struggling to survive at sea.
The LG is urging anyone with information about the boat driver to come forward and contact the Council Secretary.
“Sadly, information reaching the Council revealed that there was a passenger boat that met the scene of the incident but refused to stop to rescue the victims of the mishap while they were struggling to survive on the sea. Anybody with useful information about the
particular boat driver should contact the Council Secretary,” the statement read.
The Council also advised travellers to exercise caution when travelling by water, adhering strictly to safety rules and measures to prevent future recurrence.
The Council has also called for prayers and support for the affected families, stating, “May God comfort and console us all and give the families the fortitude to bear this unbearable loss,” it said.
Concerned residents of Bonny Island have continued to call on the relevant authorities to provide better safety measures for commuters utilizing the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route, as well as compel Julius Berger to expedite work on the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road.
Some have also charged the security agencies, including the Marine Police, to enforce marine safety protocols at Port Harcourt.
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