Oct. 8, 2024

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) says five individuals have not been accounted for in the boat collision that occurred on Monday.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

“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 p.m., “Only God 13” traveling from Ebute Ero to Badagry with 15 passengers, collided with a wooden boat carrying 10 passengers from Alakija to Imore.

“Fortunately, all 15 passengers on board “Only God 13” were rescued safely and are waiting at the jetty to collect their goods.

“However, five passengers from the wooden boat sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.

“Regrettably, five other individuals remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing,” he said.

Emmanuel noted that in response, officials of LASWA and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) convened an emergency meeting with Imore community chiefs and the state marine officer.

The meeting, the LASWA general manager said, was to coordinate rescue operations and support affected families.

“LASWA, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, NIWA, marine police and local operators are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected,” he said. (NAN)