Fifteen individuals have been rescued, while five others are still missing after two boats collided in Lagos State. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) reported no casualties so far, despite conflicting accounts regarding the total number of people involved.
In a statement released on Tuesday, LASWA detailed the incident: “A boat collision occurred yesterday evening at Imore on the Lagos waterways, involving two vessels: ‘Only God 13’ and a wooden boat. At approximately 7:00 PM, ‘Only God 13,’ which was traveling from Ebutte Ero to Badagry with 15 passengers, collided with a wooden boat carrying 10 passengers from Alakija to Imore.”
Fortunately, all 15 passengers aboard ‘Only God 13’ were rescued and are currently waiting at the jetty to retrieve their belongings. However, five passengers from the wooden boat suffered injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Sadly, five individuals remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
LASWA noted, “LASWA, LASEMA, NIWA, Marine Police, and local operators are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected.”
This incident follows closely on the heels of a separate boat capsizing in Niger State, which resulted in fatalities.