About 11 passengers have been rescued, while 21 others are feared drowned after two boats collided in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos State.
Reports indicate that the two boats collided on Monday in the middle of the lagoon near Imore town, causing both vessels to capsize and resulting in passengers being thrown into the water.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident on Tuesday. He stated that following a distress call received at the Ilashe Division, police officers, local divers, and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene.
According to Hundeyin, the 11 passengers rescued sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
He added that rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on recovering the bodies of other victims.
Hundeyin said, “At about 1900hrs, a distress call was received at Ilashe Division that 2 unregistered passenger boats, both having 16 passengers on board, allegedly collided in the middle of the lagoon at Imore town and the process, the boats capsized and the passengers got drowned with the goods.
“Based on the report, teams of conventional/marine policemen, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene where 11 of the passengers were rescued with injuries and were rushed to naval hospital, Navy Town Alakija for medical attention while search and rescue operation is being intensified, to recover bodies of other victims. And an investigation is ongoing.”
