SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, (THEWILL) – One person has been confirmed dead after an over loaded passenger boat capsized in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The boat, heading towards Victoria Island rammed into logs of wood at about 10am just behind the Dangote Company at Ebutte, Ikorodu and capsized immediately.
According to reports gathered by THEWILL, the boat, identified as HMS, had 28 passengers on board and a crew member instead of the 21 passengers which is its capacity.
Eye witnesses told THEWILL that but for the quick intervention of rescue operatives from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA); Lagos State Water Ways Authority; Lagos State Ambulance service (LASAMBUS) and the Nigeria Police, the casualty figure should have been more.
General Manager LASEMA, Michael Akindele, who confirmed the mishap said investigations will be conducted on the matter.
He however warned boat operators to shun over speeding, advising them to comply with safety rules.
Story by David Oputah
