Nine people was yesterday confirmed dead following a tragic boat mishap at Ilashe waterways in Lagos state
The Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr Abisola Kamson who confirmed the incident said the boat capsized as a result of overloading passengers on a Banana Boat and operation of an illegal jetty.
Kamson in a statement said “an unfortunate incident occurred at Ilashe Sunday, August 20th arising from overloading of passengers on a Banana boat taking off from an illegal Jetty which has become a perennial issue of the Lagos State Government to rid our Waterfront areas of illegal operators. We sympathize with the families of the deceased as nine lives were lost in the mishap and four people receiving treatment in the hospital. The LASWA rescue team has been on ground and search is still ongoing. This brings to fore again the need for NIWA to allow the judgment of the Appeal Court granting Lagos Control of her waterways to take effect without hindrance”.
The LASWA boss while briefing newsmen on the unfortunate incident urged boat operators and other stakeholders in the inland waterways sector, to advised boat users to adhere strictly to safety standards at all times.
According to Kamson those rescued are already receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, while search and rescue operation was still ongoing.
