Failure to Use Life Jackets: Fishing Boat Capsize in Ikorodu, 2 Dead, 1 Missing

Another boat accident has occured around Offin Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos where two persons have been confirmed dead, four people rescued while one person is still missing.

All seven passengers onboard the boat were not putting on their life jackets when a high current caused the fishing boat to capsize.

In a reaction to the incident, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel said the boat, which left Makoko community, had seven persons on-board, including two toddlers which were not wearing life jackets when the accident occurred.

He explained that the first responder to the incident was a passenger ferry that witnessed it before the arrival of LASWA rescue team.Inquiries reveal that the fishing boat which was clearly operating outside its fishing capability and therefore not equipped with necessary safety gadgets for passengers ferry operation carried the occupants who are all related and headed to Offin for a relative’s funeral.

“Upon further investigations, it was revealed that all seven passengers onboard were not wearing a lifejacket. Four passengers were rescued alive two fatalities and one passenger missing.

“The men of the LASEMA and Marine Police have been contacted to support the ongoing search operation for the remaining victim while further investigation is ongoing.”