By: Felix Ikpotor
Three persons have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap which occurred on Sunday along the Bonny-Port Harcourt waterways in Rivers State.
The victims includes two adults and a toddler.
The Rivers State Police Command has also confirmed the incident, adding that the bodies of the victims have been recovered.
Also, a statement by the Bonny local council and signed by its secretary,
Pastor John Gabriel-Pepple, said the council is deeply saddened by the incident.
The statement said preliminary findings revealed that the mishap was caused by a sudden rise of oceanic storm which troubled the boat, leading to the unfortunate mishap that claimed three lives, with 19 survivors who were all immediately taken for medical attention at the expense of the Bonny Local Government.
The Bonny Local Government Council in the statement advised travellers to be cautious of the weather and adhere strictly to the safety rules and measures of passenger ferries, so as to avert future recurrence.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo has expressed grief at the incident.
Oko-Jumbo, an indigene of the council in a statement on his verified social media handle said the thought of the unfortunate incident is very distressing and horrible, stressing that no amount of words or financial support can assuage the experience.
He equally urged travellers to be weary of the weather and adhere to safety measures by Boat Drivers and other operational conditions.
Oko-Jumbo further expressed the hope that the completion of the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road would bring an end to the recurrent sad experiences of boat mishaps.
He said: “While it is true that the Bodo/Bonny road project is nearing completion and is believed to be open in few months time to the public, bringing an end to boat mishap issues, we will work hand-in-glove with the local government council, boat drivers and other stakeholders against recurrence of incidents like this.”
