After a boat accident in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, the unfortunate loss of two lives has been confirmed.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), issued a statement on Wednesday, July 6, confirming the incident.
He stated that 15 passengers were rescued by emergency responders from the boat, which sank due to a mechanical fault.
The provided statement detailed the following:
“The Lion squad of the agency promptly responded to the incident on the 6th of July 2022.
“Upon arrival, it became evident that a ferry boat carrying 17 passengers, named “R & N 2,” had capsized due to a suspected mechanical fault and rapidly submerged after departing from the Ipakodo ferry terminal.
“A unified team of water guards, search and rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and LASEMA responders were mobilized to the scene, resulting in the successful rescue of 15 individuals.
“Two adult female passengers, who were recovered unconscious, were immediately transferred to the nearest hospital for treatment. Regrettably, they did not regain consciousness and were subsequently declared deceased.”
The head of LASEMA mentioned that the boat captain is undergoing investigation by the relevant authorities, and LASWA has initiated an inquiry into the cause of the accident.