A speed boat owned by Oke’ra Nla Boat Association, Ajah in Lagos state capsized over the weekend, killing 4 people, with 1 still missing, Vanguard reports.
There were divergent accounts as to how the boat which has 22 passengers aboard got involved in the accident with some saying it hit with a log of wood, while others say serious waves was to blame for the mishap of the water vessel which was heading to Bayeku from Oke-Ira.
An eyewitness to the incident who didn’t want his name disclosed stated that the boat was struck from behind by another boat which was on top speed with both boats hitting the waves uncontrollably, after which the boat behind hit the ill-fated boat which in turn capsized.
A total of 17 people were able to be rescued from the accident, with 1 missing while the 4 dead were said to be carpenters who had been in Ajah for a week working and were returning to Agbowa when the unfortunate fate befell them.
Some passengers had earlier refused to put on the life jackets for fear of the Ebola Virus.
A local diver who helped in the rescue operation had this to say: “The boat operator was dumbfounded and could not recollect the number of passengers in the boat. It was when we got to the jetty that we cross-checked the number and we went back only to find four bodies inside the boat,”
When Vanguard arrived at the scene of the accident the operator of the boat was reportedly being questioned by the police while officers of the company which owned the boat had been invited for similar questioning by the Lagos State Waterways Agency (LASWA).
