Boat Mishap Claims One Life In Southern Ijaw LGA
...as council boss, maritime union condemns reckless seafarers
A tragic boat mishap along the Onyoma to Ekowe route of the Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa State has claimed the live of one person.
According to details gathered from Local boat operators and Martine union, the victim of the incident is identified as one Mr. Luke Wonamah, an indigene of Okanga community of Iyala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
It was gathered that the boat, which was reportedly overloaded with passengers, was heading from Onyoma to Ekowe last Thursday and capsized at about 2pm when the deceased, a still camera man hired a cover a burial ceremony fell out of the boat and drowned.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Maritime workers Union Bayelsa state, Ogoniba Ipigansi who confirmed the incident, reemphasize the need for river craft operators and commuters to adhere strictly to maritime safety protocols to avoid fatalities.
According to the Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi, the unfortunate passenger boat broke protocols, and the deceased has been recovered.
He emphasized the need for river craft operators and commuters to adhere strictly to maritime safety protocols to avoid fatalities.
“We have people at every water point. The beach masters were the ones who rushed to rescue the rest of the people when the incident happened. The boat carried 12 passengers and one was missing. Later on, we intensified our search and recovered the remaining person.”
“This very boat didn’t load at the appropriate quarters, but cut corners to load inappropriately, and does not have life jackets on board.”
The Council Chairman, Hon. Target Isaiah Segibo, in a statement issued through his Press Secetary, Ayebaitari Easterday, frowned at the noncompliance of Government order by drivers of marine vessels who sail the waterways without recourse to safety measures and providing safety gears for their passengers.
Segibo called on the security operatives to carryout the investigation and ascertain if the driver of the vessel was qualified to sail on the waterways with such vessel, and if required safety gears were provided for the passengers at the time of the mishap.
The statement noted that driving on the waterways by unqualified handlers could lead to severe safety risks and significant environmental damages.
He warned that his administration is committed to the protection of lives and properties of the people in the area, warning that drivers of marine vessels who are caught sailing on the waterways will be arrested and prosecuted while such vessels will be impounded to serve as deterrent to others.
