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8 people still missing from June 29 Lagos boat mishap

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5 bodies still missing in Lagos boat accident

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that 8 persons are still missing from the June 29 boat mishap in Lagos.

The incident which occurred at about 22: 00 hours in the Lagos Lagoon had left 10 dead.

Lagos Zonal Coordinator of NIWA , Mr Muhazu Zambo, in a statement on Tuesday, said three persons were rescued.

He said the boat mishap occurred between Badore in Ajah (Eti- Osa Local Government Area) and Egbin (Ikorodu LGA).

Investigation by the Lagos Area Office of NIWA revealed that a total of 21 persons including men and women boarded an unmarked fibre boat W19 with 60HP engine.

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Zambo said that none of the passengers were wearing a life jacket, while the particular boat was designed to carry only 10 persons.

“The jetty at Badore is a substandard jetty that has previously been sealed by the authority. It is owned and run by the Itom Community in Badore.

“The boat capsized midway across the Lagoon; most likely as a result of high tidal waves, which was not helped by the boat being overloaded by twice its capacity.

“Sailing at night makes the search and rescue efforts more difficult.

“Following the incident, three persons survived, 10 bodies were recovered, while eight are still missing as at the time of this press statement while co-ordinated rescue efforts and investigations are still ongoing, ” Zambo said.

He said that the management of the NIWA wishes to convey its deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

NIWA, however, sent out a warning to boat operators and passengers alike, over the need to observe and adhere to water travel extant rules and regulations.

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