By Dele Ade
At least two persons were reported dead as a 20 passenger ferry boat carrying 17 passengers named “R & N 2” suddenly capsized due to mechanical fault less than 200 meters from the terminal.
The boat submerged immediately after it departed the Ipakodo ferry terminal in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. A statement by Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, said the Water guards and the search and rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) were mobilized to the scene of the incident, leading to the rescue of 15 persons alive.
While two female unconscious passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. They were, however, later confirmed dead at the hospital.
The Boat Captain is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities while full investigation into the cause of this mishap is ongoing as of the time of this press release.