So far, twelve people have been rescued while one is still missing. The boat was said to have taken off at Ebute Ero, Lagos Island and was heading to Majidun in Ikorodu when the tragedy occurred. Most of the people in the boat were said to be returning from work on the Island.
Local divers, marine policemen, navy marine, police disaster rescue, officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, and the National Inland Waterways Authority were involved in the rescue operation.
The boat, belonging to Bell Marine Services was said to have capsized around 6.00pm as it was heading to Majidun in Ikorodu. It was gathered that the boat hit the rock and capsized.
Spokesperson, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA said 12 people have been rescued and one still missing, with seven people reportedly dead.
A statement from the Lagos State Inland Waterways, LASWA said the accident involved a passenger boat belonging to Bell Marine and has 21 passengers on board when it capsized.
“The boat mishap happened around 5:45pm on Wednesday involving a passenger boat (Bell Marine) with 21 passengers along the 3rd Mainland –Oworonsoki axis on the way to Majidun Area of Ikorodu.
“Investigation revealed that the boat which departed from the Ebute-Ero jetty of Lagos Island at about 5:30pm for the Majidun Jetty in Ikorodu hit a large object under- water in the course of the voyage .The Impact of the hit damaged the hull of the boat and resulted into a high inflow of water thereby causing the boat to sink.
“The swift response of the LASWA rescue team to the scene of the mishap made it possible to rescue 13 passengers alive on board the distressed boat; the team also recovered Six bodies trapped in the sunken vessel from the depth of the lagoon and immediately rushed them to Ikorodu General Hospital where they were confirmed dead by the doctors that attended to the rescue mission,” the statement said.
According to the statement, a pregnant woman who was one of the 13 passengers rescued on board the boat eventually died at the General Hospital on arrival increasing the total number of deaths recorded to seven.
“The Search and Rescue mission also recovered some items belonging to the victims. The items recovered had since been taken to LASWA Head office at Falomo. The mishap has been reported to the Marine police. LASWA in conjunction with the police would initiate contacts with the families of the affected victims to claim their bodies and possessions. The Search and Rescue mission is still ongoing; the updates will be forwarded as soon as possible,” it added.
NEMA spokesperson, Farinloye said unconfirmed source had it that a couple who were to get married next weekend were among the dead in the boat mishap. iospital where thry
