Tragedy struck in Lagos on Monday night as two passenger boats capsized, claiming the lives of more than 20 people.
The incident occurred around 7 pm at Imore lagoon following a collision between the boats, which were reportedly carrying 16 passengers each at the time.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police spokesman, confirmed the accident and stated that 11 passengers were rescued from the scene. He also revealed that both boats were unregistered, and a report was filed at the Ilashe Police Division regarding the tragedy.
According to Hundeyin, all 32 passengers, along with their goods, were submerged when the boats capsized. The prompt intervention of the police, local divers, and other emergency responders led to the rescue of 11 survivors, who were subsequently rushed to the Naval Town Hospital in Ojo for medical attention.
Search and rescue operations continue as authorities work to recover the remaining victims. Efforts to reach officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for further updates have been unsuccessful, as calls to the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Osayintolu, went unanswered.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of unregistered boats and the need for stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies on Lagos waterways.
