Six Feared Dead, Others Missing in Lagos Boat Accident

No fewer than six passengers have been confirmed dead, while four others were rescued following a boat mishap along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel in Lagos.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday evening at about 8:35 p.m. and involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat that was reportedly en route from Ilashe Beach House at the time of the accident.

As of press time, search and rescue efforts were still ongoing to locate other missing passengers.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the incident in a joint statement signed by NIWA’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, Wuraola Alake, and LASWA’s Head of Corporate Affairs Unit, Omowunmi Yussuff.

According to the statement, distress alerts were immediately received, prompting both agencies to activate their Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders.

“As of the time of this report, four passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“Sadly, six other passengers were recovered dead at the scene while search and rescue operations remain ongoing to account for all persons involved,” the statement read.

Preliminary findings suggested that the accident may have been caused by a collision with a submerged object, although authorities noted that investigations were still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the mishap.

LASWA and NIWA assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, with further updates to be provided as more details emerge.

The agencies expressed their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safety on Lagos inland waterways.

They also reiterated the need for strict compliance with safety regulations, including proper navigation practices and adherence to the “no night travel” rule, while urging the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from LASWA, NIWA, and other official sources.

Opinion Nigeria News