One dead, 27 rescued in Lagos boat mishap

A 28-seater passenger boat traveling from Ikorodu to Lagos Island capsized yesterday behind Dangote Company at Ebute Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The commercial boat identified as HMS 1 was said to have capsized at about 9:55a.m. with all persons onboard thrown into the sea.

It was gathered that local divers and agents of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) rescued 27 persons alive while the dead body of one of the passengers was recovered at noon.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Mr. Michael Akindele, who confirmed the incident, said preliminary investigation by its Response Team revealed that the boat took off from Ikorodu en route Victoria Island. He said the boat ought to have carried about 21 passengers but rather opted to carry 28 persons.

“The driver of the boat was said to be on high speed when it collided with some submerged log of woods resulting in the mishap. Emergency responders such as the Lagos State Water Ways Authority, Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, LASEMA Emergency Response Team, LASAMBUS, and the Nigeria Police responded promptly to the incident. At the end about 27 persons were rescued while one dead body was recovered.

Akindele disclosed that proper investigation would be conducted on the incident, while he advised boat operators to avoid over-speeding and to always comply with safety regulations on the waterways to avoid loss of lives.