Several bodies are said to have been found following a boat mishap that occurred along the Okoroma axis in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Recall that, yesterday, a local boat conveying passengers and goods from Yenagoa, the state capital to Okpoama in Brass LGA on Thursday capsized near Iwokiri in Okoroma.
Speaking with our reporter via the telephone, the Bayelsa State Maritime Union Chairman, Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi confirmed that several bodies have been found, following a search and rescue mission.
He said the exact number of casualties cannot be confirmed yet because effort is being intensified to look for more bodies.
Also speaking, a youth leader from Okoroma who pleaded to remain anonymous said only one body has been found.
A student, Comrade Kpe Jeremiah Ayebainemi, earlier confirmed to our reporter that his mother and child who were on the boat had been successfully rescued.
Giving an account of his experience before the boat departed Swali waterside for Okpoama, he alleged that the boat was loaded with goods beyond its capacity.
Ayebainemi, who is the student representative of Brass Local Government Federated Youth Council, cautioned boat operators and owners to be mindful of overloading.
He also urged the Ministry of Transport, Waterways Authority and security agencies to checkmate boat operators to make sure they don’t overload them beyond their capacity.
When contacted Bayelsa State Police Command, the Police Public Relations officer Superintendent of Police Asinim Butswat confirm the incident.
He said the command can’t ascertain the causality figure as divers are still in searching for more bodies.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed saddeness over the fatal boat incident.
Governor Diri directed the relevant government agencies, including security agencies, to collaborate in the search-and-rescue efforts and ensure the recovery of all missing persons.
The Bayelsa helmsman sympathised with injured victims and the families that lost persons in the sad incident.
He prayed that God will succour them over the unfortunate mishap.
He added that the government would review the cause of such incidents in order to take steps to ensure safety of lives and goods on the state’s waterways.
