Dozens Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes in Lagos Waters

A boat carrying passengers in Lagos has capsized, with scores feared dead. Authorities are conducting rescue efforts in the area.

A tragic incident occurred in Lagos on Monday night when two passenger boats capsized, resulting in the loss of over 20 lives.

The incident took place at approximately 7 PM at Imore Lagoon after a collision between the boats, each reportedly carrying 16 passengers.

Lagos State Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the accident and reported that 11 passengers were rescued from the site. He also disclosed that neither boat was registered and a report about the incident has been submitted to the Ilashe Police Division.

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Hundeyin reported that all 32 passengers and their belongings were submerged when the boats capsized. Prompt action by the police, local divers, and other emergency responders resulted in the rescue of 11 survivors, who were then quickly taken to Naval Town Hospital in Ojo for medical care.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities strive to recover the remaining victims. Attempts to contact officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for more information have been unsuccessful, with calls to Dr. Femi Osayintolu, Permanent Secretary of the agency, going unanswered.

This incident has heightened worries regarding the safety of unregistered boats and highlighted the need for stricter regulations to avert future tragedies on Lagos waterways.