Boat Tragedy in Rivers State: Three Dead, 19 Rescued After Capsizing
Three Dead, 19 Rescued as Boat Capsizes in Rivers State
Tragedy struck in Rivers State on Sunday evening when a boat carrying 22 passengers capsized during a journey from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island, claiming the lives of three individuals.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday. According to Iringe-Koko, a sudden ocean storm triggered high waves that caused the mishap.
“Sadly, three individuals, including a young girl, lost their lives in the accident, while 19 passengers were rescued,” the statement read. “The bodies of the deceased have been recovered. The accident occurred near the Yellow Platform close to Bonny.”
The police have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and circumstances.
Anengi Claude-Wilcox, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety protocols by travelers and boat operators to prevent future tragedies.
“The incident claimed the lives of two adults and a toddler. The survivors were immediately taken to the hospital, with their medical expenses covered by the Bonny Council,” Claude-Wilcox stated.
He also revealed that the council had received reports alleging that another passenger boat in the vicinity failed to assist the capsized boat’s passengers during the rescue efforts.
“We urge anyone with information about the operator of that boat to contact the council secretary immediately,” Claude-Wilcox added.
This latest tragedy underscores the importance of enforcing maritime safety measures in the region, as stakeholders continue to investigate and seek solutions to prevent similar incidents.
