A devastating boat accident in Delta State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of over 30 people, including a one-year-old toddler. The tragedy unfolded over the weekend near Beneth Island in Gbaramatu Kingdom, located in the Warri South-West local government area. The boat was carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony when disaster struck.
According to reports, the speedboat collided with a submerged log in the river, causing it to capsize. Many passengers were thrown into the water by the force of the collision. Unfortunately, many of the passengers could not swim, and most were not wearing life jackets. This left them unable to survive the crash, and many drowned almost immediately.
The lifeless body of the one-year-old child was discovered hours after the accident, floating along the creek. Eyewitnesses describe the harrowing scene, with survivors and witnesses recalling moments of panic and desperation as people struggled to stay afloat. The boat had been traveling at a high speed when the incident occurred, which may have contributed to the severity of the crash.
Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the area to recover the missing passengers. However, as time passes, hopes of finding any survivors are fading. The search operation continues as authorities comb through the area, but the situation remains uncertain. The authorities are urging the public for any information that could assist in finding the missing people.
Bright Edafe, the Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police, confirmed the accident and stated that more details would be shared once the investigation progresses. The tragedy has left many in the local community and across the state mourning the loss of loved ones.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of boat travel, especially in areas where water transport is commonly used and safety measures, such as life jackets, may not always be available. It also underscores the importance of maintaining safe boating practices and the need for continuous safety awareness campaigns.
