No fewer than 21 persons, have reportedly lost their lifes in a boat A tragic boat accident on Monday in Imore town, located within the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, has left at least 21 passengers feared drowned.
The incident occurred when two boats, each carrying 16 passengers, collided mid-lagoon, causing both vessels to capsize.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed in a press statement on Tuesday that the Ilashe police division received a report of the accident around 7 pm.
Emergency responders, including marine police and local divers, quickly arrived at the scene, managing to rescue 11 passengers who sustained injuries.
These survivors were immediately transported to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for medical treatment.
According to the statement, “On October 7, 2024, at about 7 pm, a distress call was received at the Ilashe Division reporting that two unregistered passenger boats, each carrying 16 passengers, allegedly collided in the middle of the lagoon at Imore town. As a result, the boats capsized, and the passengers drowned along with their goods.
“Based on the report, teams of conventional and marine policemen, local divers, and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilised to the scene, where 11 passengers were rescued with injuries and rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for medical attention.”
Currently, many passengers remain missing, with ongoing efforts to recover bodies and locate survivors. Authorities have also begun an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.