At least six passengers have been confirmed dead, while four others were rescued, following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel in Lagos.The incident occurred late on Tuesday night at about 8:35 p.m. and involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat. Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of reporting as authorities searched for other possible victims. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the incident in a joint statement signed by NIWA’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, Wuraola Alake, and LASWA’s Head of Corporate Affairs Unit, Omowunmi Yussuff.
According to the statement, the boat was travelling from Ilashe Beach House when the accident happened. Upon receiving a distress call, both agencies immediately deployed their Search and Rescue teams, working alongside the Marine Police and other emergency responders. The authorities said four passengers were rescued alive and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while six others were recovered dead at the scene. Search and rescue efforts are continuing to account for all passengers on board.
Preliminary findings suggest the accident may have been caused by a collision with a submerged object, although investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause. LASWA and NIWA assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would be carried out and that updates would be provided as more details emerge. They also expressed their condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and reaffirmed their commitment to improving safety on Lagos inland waterways.
The agencies further stressed the need for strict adherence to safety regulations, including proper navigation and compliance with the no-night-travel rule. Members of the public were advised to remain calm and rely only on verified information from LASWA, NIWA, and other official sources.
Source: https://theeagleonline.com.ng/
