Just one week after the Abonnema wharf – Bakana waterways boat accident which claimed the life of a 38-year-old man, another boat accident has occurred, and this time, along Okrika-Marine base waterways.
Two children are reported missing following the boat accident which occurred on Sunday.
A boat operator in Marine base who pleaded anonymity told theportcitynews.com correspondent that the accident occurred at about 5 pm on Sunday when the boat with 24 passengers was returning from Okrika to Port Harcourt.
The boat operator said local divers were able to rescue 22 passengers while the two kids were still missing.
He attributed the accident to the solid waste littered on the waterways.
Meanwhile, some passengers who survived the boat accident said most boat operators plying the waterways were not professionals.
The passengers called for the proper training of boat drivers to save water travellers from accidents.
In the meantime, Civil Liberty Organization CLO in Rivers State has expressed concern over the incessant boat accidents in the state.
The chairman of CLO in Rivers state who said he witnessed the boat accident along the Okrika-Marine Base waterway, noted that the two missing children belonged to one parent.
He called for the provision of children’s live jackets in case of any accident on the water.
The CLO boss also attributed the boat accident to over speeding by the boat drivers.
He called for the arrest and prosecution of any boat driver involved in such accidents.
The senator representing Rivers south-east senatorial district in the National Assembly, MAGNUS ABE has promised to assist the family of the Late Joe Blankson who died after saving twelve persons during the Bakana boat accident last week Saturday.
Senator MAGNUS ABE said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late JOE BLANKSON in Port Harcourt.
Senator Abe said the heroic gesture of the late Joe Blankson should be recognized and celebrated.
Senator Magnus Abe also called on the Rivers State Government and relevant authorities to ensure safety on the waterways.
