By Steve Agbota
Fifteen people were rescued, three missing, while two were confirmed dead after a 20-passenger ferry boat, heading to Victoria Island, Lagos capsized.
The General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, in a statement, said the accident happened in the early hours of yesterday.
He stated further that immediately after the accident, the water guards and the search and rescue team of LASWA were mobilised to the scene of the incident, leading to the rescue of 15 people alive. He said a full investigation into the cause of the mishap was ongoing, to unravel the causes of the mishap.
Emmanuel said: “At about 7.45am today, July 6, 2022, a 20-passenger ferry boat carrying 17 passengers, named “R & N 2”, suddenly capsized due to mechanical fault less than 200 metres from the terminal, and submerged, immediately, after it departed the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
“The Water guards and the search-and-rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) were mobilised to the scene of the incident, leading to the rescue of 15 people alive.”
“Although two unconscious female passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, they were, however, later confirmed dead at the hospital. The boat Captain is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities, while full investigation into the cause of the mishap is ongoing as of the time of this press release.”