Following the boat accident on the Ikorodu, Lagos Channel on Friday night, rescue efforts have continued with the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, General Manager Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), LASWA Search Party, Local Boat Operators, Marine Police and Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA) leading the way.
According to LASWA, “so far, 16 passengers have been rescued alive with one person in critical condition and 5 fatalities.”
The State Commissioner for Transportation has already consoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy which happened July 3.
Meanwhile, LASWA has vowed to deal with erring Ferry Operators and Passengers, as it has issued a strong statement warning all Ferry Operators and passengers against violating the laid down rule of No Night travelling on the waterways.
It was gathered that a 20 passenger capacity commercial ferry with 20 passengers on board took off illegally from Èbúté Ẹrọ jetty at about few minutes past 8pm heading towards Ikorodu and ran into an unforeseen object on the Waterways causing the boat to capsize.
It was not clear if all the passengers were wearing proper life jackets when the boat took off after the daily closure of movements on the inland Waterways.
LASWA warned that any Operator who violates this very important instruction would henceforth be arrested by the Marine Police and boat confiscated while those passengers on board such boat shall also be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws. The investigation is still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.
