IJEDE BOAT MISHAP: SEARCH, RESCUE OPERATIONS STILL ONGOING

Following the Saturday night boat mishap, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reiterated the need for passengers and boat operators to desist from night travelling and ensure all safety measures including proper use of life jackets are strictly enforced to prevent unnecessary loss of life on our waterways.

Speaking on the unfortunate boat mishap that occurred in Egbin, Ijede Local Council Development Area, Ikorodu, at about 9:30pm on Saturday 29th June, 2019, The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu explained the boat was said to be en route Egbin Ijede (Ikorodu) from Badore, Aja area with about 21 passengers on board, when it suddenly developed mechanical problem, throwing all the passengers on board into the water.

He, however, pointed out that three persons were rescued immediately, while the lifeless bodies of eight others, seven male and one female, have so far been recovered, noting that search and rescue by officials of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and Marine Police, with support from the local divers, is still ongoing to locate other missing persons.

The LASEMA boss said that the community leaders, as well as local fishermen in the area, have been informed to avail the Agency of any information through the emergency toll-free line 112/767 to enhance the rescue efforts, while advising people to report cases of missing persons to the Marine Police or the nearest police station in the area.

Dr. Osanyintolu noted that following the huge investment of the State Government to encourage water transportation and the need for Lagosians to explore it as an alternative means of transportation due to congestion on our roads, it is important for all passengers and boat operators to imbibe safety culture and also comply with the rules and regulations of the regulatory bodies in charge of water transportation and safety in the State.

While noting that proper investigation is on ongoing by the security operatives to ascertain the real cause of the incident, he disclosed that some of the first responders on ground include Lagos State Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Neighborhood and Safety Corps.