20 feared dead in boat accident in Rivers

Twenty people have reportedly died in a boat accident in Rivers state.

The accident, which involved two boats, occurred on Andoni waterways in Andoni LGA of the state on Tuesday night.

In a statement on Wednesday, Erastus Awortu, chairman of Andoni LGA, commiserated with the families of the victims.

He said efforts are being made to recover the bodies of victims from the river.

“We received with rude shock and deep pain a disturbing report that over 20 persons from Andoni are feared dead in boat mishap involving two Andoni/Bonny-bound boats which occurred within the Andoni waterways on Tuesday January, 9, 2024,” the statement reads.

“Upon receiving the sad development, we immediately dispatched our team to join the first responders on rescue mission at the scene of the incident in a bid to salvage the situation.

“We are closely monitoring the situation to offer further support especially to give the survivors necessary medical attention and recover the remains of the dead from the Sea.

“Our hearts go out to the Families and Communities of victims of this unfortunate disaster especially Ngo Town, Ataba, Isiama and other Communities whose loved ones where involved in the boat mishap.

“We share in their pain and trauma, our prayers and thoughts are with them in this moment of grief.

“We will do whatever we can as a Local Government to reduce the burden of grief of the bereaved families and communities.”

Awortu called on operators of water transportation to ensure strict compliance with safety rules.

He also warned the operators to desist from embarking on night journeys on sea.

On Monday, eight people lost their lives in a boat accident that occured at Umumu Anam, Anambra west LGA.