Jare Babatunde
Capsized boat. File photo
Two female passengers of a 20-seater boat which departed the Ipakodo ferry terminal in Ikorodu early Wednesday morning have been confirmed dead after a ferry boat capsized shortly after take-off.
Eye witnesses stated that the unfortunate incident occurred few minutes after the boat departed the Lagos State Ferry Terminal at Ipakodo in Ikorodu.
In a statement signed by the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Oluwadamilola Emmanuel on Wednesday, it was stated that 15 passengers of the capsized boat were however rescued alive.
According to the statement:
“At about 7.45 am today (Wednesday), the 6th of July 2022, a 20 passenger ferry boat carrying 17 passengers named “R & N 2” suddenly capsized not more than 200 meters from the terminal and submerged immediately after it departed the Ipakodo ferry terminal in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
“The Water guards and the search and rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) were mobilized to the scene of the incident, leading to the rescue of 15 persons alive.
“While two female unconscious passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. They were, however, later confirmed dead at the hospital.
“The Boat Captain is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities while full investigation into the cause of this mishap is ongoing as of the time of this press release”.
