Lanre Idris Mustapha
The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday said that three corpses have been recovered following a boat accident in Imore town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, on Monday.
Recall that The City Gazzete reported that at least 21 passengers were feared drowned when boat capsized in Imore, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State on Monday.
The incident took place when two boats, each carrying 16 passengers, collided in the middle of the lagoon and capsized.
Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), stated on Tuesday that all 15 passengers on the “Only 13” were rescued, while five from the wooden boat sustained injuries.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the recovery of three corpses on Wednesday, giving assurance that rescue operations are still in progress.
Following the incident, LASWA and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) held an emergency meeting with Imore community leaders and the State Marine Office.
NIWA has arrested the manager of the “Only God 13” ferry, stating that the collision occurred because the captain’s vision was obstructed due to the boat’s load. The agency also noted that the ferry had not complied with operational safety standards and navigation protocols.
The arrest aims to ensure accountability and encourage adherence to waterways regulations to prevent further occurrence.
NIWA is conducting further investigations and plans to take legal action until the captain is produced for possible additional charges.
