2 Adults, toddler die as passenger boat capsizes in Rivers State

News Agency Of Nigeria 10:31 - 21 January 2025

12 bodies recovered in Lagos boat mishap, 5 still missing [Enca]

Police confirm 3 fatalities in boat mishap in Rivers

The boat was en route from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island in Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) when a sudden ocean storm caused high waves, resulting in the mishap.

The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the deaths of two adults and a toddler following the capsizing of a passenger boat on Sunday evening.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that 19 passengers were rescued from the tragic incident.

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According to her, the boat was en route from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island in Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) when a sudden ocean storm caused high waves, resulting in the mishap. She said;

There were 22 passengers on board the ill-fated boat, but unfortunately, three individuals lost their lives.
The bodies of the three victims, including a young girl, have been recovered

Describing the incident as tragic, Iringe-Koko said that 19 passengers were rescued alive. She added;

The accident occurred near the Yellow Platform close to Bonny

The police spokesperson said that the command had launched an investigation into the matter. The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Mr Anengi Claude-Wilcox, also confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Council Secretary, John Gabriel-Pepple.

Claude-Wilcox said the council's preliminary investigation revealed that the boat’s captain lost control after a sudden rise in the oceanic storm. The Chairman said;

The incident claimed the lives of two adults and a toddler, while 19 survivors were immediately taken to the hospital at the expense of the Bonny Council.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims

Claude-Wilcox further disclosed that the council was collaborating with the police to investigate the involvement of another passenger boat reportedly present at the scene. He said;

Information reaching the council indicates that the passenger boat refused to assist in rescue efforts while the passengers from the capsised boat struggled to survive at sea.
We call on anyone with useful information about the driver of that boat to contact the council secretary

The council chairman urged both travellers and boat operators to exercise caution during travel and to adhere to safety protocols to prevent future occurrences strictly.

Also read: Fubara, others mourn as 20 die in boat mishap in Rivers