Many Dead, Scores Still Missing as Boat Capsizes in Lagos

A passenger boat reportedly owned by a private company which was used to ferry members of a yet-to-be identified church across the Ilashe lagoon in Lagos, on Sunday capsized, resulting to the death of many as scores are also missing.

Although the accurate figure of passengers onboard was yet to be identified, it was gathered that the high casualty figure was nine because none of the occupants of the ill-fated boat allegedly wore the stipulated life jackets for safety.

Local divers were the first emergency responders that stormed the scene before other primary governmental responders arrived, due to the nature of the sea.

With the help of those local volunteers, the emergency workers commenced  search and rescue efforts and nine bodies were as at press time recovered while the search for others continues.

At the scene are operatives of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Marine Police Division, with full compliments of personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The South-West  Zonal Spokesperson of NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the incident, said most of the deceased persons were children.

According to him, "NEMA has just been alerted of a boat capsizing with nine dead bodies of victims recovered while some others

 are still missing.

“The boat is said to be a private boat conveying church congregation from one side of Ilase village to the other side beach.

“As at now, the number onboard the passenger boat is unknown but there is  no indication that anyone had lifejackets on when the incident happened.

“When the incident happened local volunteers swooped into search and rescue efforts and NIWA and the Marine Police were alerted by NEMA for prompt action immediately.

“Unconfirmed reports indicate that many children are involved. However, the marine police will investigate the cause of the incident after our search and rescue operations.”