Yemisi Olusina
Following Saturday night boat mishap, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reintrated the need for passengers and boat operators to desist from night travelling and ensure all safety measures including proper use of life jacket are strictly adhered to prevent unnecessary loss of life on our water ways.
Speaking on the unfortunate boat mishap that occurred in Egbin, Ijede Local Council Development Area, Ikorodu, at about 9:30p.m, on Saturday 29th June, 2019.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafem Oke-Osanyintolu, explained that the boat was said to be enroute Egbin Ijede (Ikorodu) from Badore, Aja area with about with about 21 passengers onboard, when it suddenly developed mechanical problem, throwing all the passengers on board into the water.
Three persons were said to have been rescued immediately, while other four lifeless bodied recovered were bagged and handed over to the family members.
The LASEMA boss said that search and rescue is still on going on the other missing persons yet to be found by officials of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and Marine Police with support from the local divers.
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He also added that community leaders as well as local fishermen in the area have been informed to avail the Agency of any information through the emergency toll free line 112/767 to enhance total recovery of the exercise, advising that anybody with any case of missing person should report to the Marine Police or any nearest police station around the scene of the incident.
Dr. Osanyintolu noted that despite the huge investment of the State Government to encourage water transportation and the need for Lagosian to explore water transportation as an alternative means mean of transportation to decongest the ever busy roads, it is important that all passengers and boat operators imbibe safety culture, and comply with the rules and regulations of the regulatory bodies in charge of water transportation and safety in the State.
