Boat Mishap: Lagos Govt Orders Investigation, Declares Incident a Crime

By Adeleye Kunle

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered an investigation into the fatal accident involving a boat sailing from Mile 2 to Ibeshe on Friday last week.

Gbenga Omotoso, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, announced this in a statement on Monday.

According to emergency officials, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a total of 15 bodies were discovered during a recovery operation after the W-19 passenger fiber boat capsized.

“He is deeply saddened by the incident and expresses condolences to the families who have lost loved ones,” Omotoso said of Governor Sanwo-Olu. “The police are investigating what went wrong and treating the tragic incident as (a) criminal offense” (case).

“The unlicensed boat clearly violated the waterways’ rules of “no night travel” and “no overloading.” Furthermore, not all of the passengers were wearing life jackets, and the boat did not depart from a government-approved jetty.”

According to the commissioner, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and others are assisting the investigators.

He warned that anyone found to have contributed in any way to the tragedy would face prosecution in order to prevent such an incident from happening again.

According to Omotoso, the waterways’ rules and regulations are clear, and they must be followed in accordance with the state government’s value of human life.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the bereaved families.” “May the Almighty strengthen them during this difficult time,” he expressed sympathy.