The Rivers state government has been called upon to provide up to date safety gadgets for all boat commuters plying the different waterways in the state.
Some of the survivors of the Bakana Boat mishap in Degema local government area of Rivers state made this call while addressing newsmen on their ordeal.
Recall that theportcitynews reported of the boat mishap that occurred in Bakana on the 28th of July which claimed the lives of at least 9 persons including Joe Blankson.
The passengers were said to be travelling for a burial when the boat ran into trouble at sea.
According to them, a foundation tagged Boat Safety Minder has been set up to sensitize the public on the need to wear a live vest when travelling on the sea.
Spokesperson of the foundation, Ndukwe Cecilia said it is important to have a proper documentation of names for everyone travelling on the sea, adding that 25 persons were on board before the incident occurred.
“Had it been we had live vest the lives that were lost wouldn’t have happened. It would have saved a lot of people from drowning. We also want boat operators to have details of every sea travellers and that of their next of kin, that is why we are soliciting and begging the government to help us and ensure that these things are in place in every jetty in the state and Nigeria at large.
“Right now, we can’t name those who were on the boat, how many persons survived and how many died. There was an old man sitting beside me when we were going, till I was rescued and left Bakana that man was never found till date, there are possibilities that his family didn’t know where he went. Had it been we had a manifest we would have contacted him or his next of kin”
On his part, Human Right activist, Higher King, said his chambers will partner with the foundation to ensure that the identity of persons who lost their lives in the boat mishap is recovered while urging the government to build bridges.
“From Abonema wharf to Bakana how long is that place? Just give us a bridge. Okrika, Bonny island and several riverine areas give us a bridge that is the campaign. I will partner with them to take it to the highest level, Higher King foundation and human right will partner so that this thing will stop. We will get the names of the survivors and also the dead people. We are still investigating”
