The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the tragic deaths of two adults and a toddler following the capsizing of a passenger boat on Sunday evening. The incident occurred as the boat was en route from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island, located in the Bonny Local Government Area (LGA).
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that 19 passengers were successfully rescued from the ill-fated vessel, which had 22 people on board. Unfortunately, three passengers lost their lives during the mishap.
The police spokesperson explained that the incident occurred after a sudden ocean storm caused high waves, leading to the boat capsizing. “The boat was traveling from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island when the weather conditions worsened. There was a sudden rise in the storm, which led to high waves and caused the boat to capsize,” said Iringe-Koko.
The authorities recovered the bodies of the victims, which included two adults and a young child. “The bodies of the three victims have been recovered. It is a heartbreaking situation,” Iringe-Koko added.
The tragic event took place near the Yellow Platform, a well-known area near Bonny Island. Following the capsizing, the survivors were rescued and rushed to the hospital. Iringe-Koko confirmed that all 19 survivors were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
“The passengers who survived the accident were promptly taken to the hospital at the expense of the Bonny Local Government Council,” said Iringe-Koko.
The Bonny Local Government Chairman, Mr. Anengi Claude-Wilcox, also issued a statement confirming the tragic incident. He explained that preliminary investigations by the local council revealed that the boat’s captain lost control of the vessel after the ocean storm intensified unexpectedly. Claude-Wilcox expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that a full investigation was underway.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives,” said Claude-Wilcox in a statement issued by Council Secretary, John Gabriel-Pepple.
The authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. SP Iringe-Koko assured the public that the police would take all necessary measures to determine the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident highlights the dangers posed by unpredictable weather conditions on water transportation, especially in regions with frequent storms and rough oceanic conditions. Authorities are urging passengers to exercise caution when traveling by boat and to remain aware of the risks associated with maritime travel.
The Rivers State Government and the Bonny Local Government Council have promised to provide support to the survivors and the families of the deceased as the investigation continues. The boat’s captain, who survived the mishap, is expected to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in the boating industry and the need for improved weather forecasting to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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