Iruoma Okpalaebubu
Three persons including a female toddler have perished in a boat mishap in Bonny Sea, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Omable African News gathered that the mishap was caused by a sudden rise of oceanic storm which troubled the boat, leading to the mishap that claimed three lives, with 19 survivors who were rescued by divers, presently responding to medical treatment in a hospital within the area.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who described the incident as unfortunate, confirmed that the boat mishap occurred along Bonny Sea, in the State.
Confirming the incident, the Police spokesperson said three occupants of the boat died in the accident, including a female toddler.
Iringe-Koko who disclosed that the incident happened at about 5pm on Sunday, disclosed that 19 passengers of the boat were rescued by divers who on hearing the incident quickly arrived at the scene of the incident.
She said: “I can confirm the incident. Is quite unfortunate. There were 22 passengers onboard, while 19 were rescued, three lost their lives, including a little female child.
“The incident happened on January 19, 2025, at about 5pm. It happened at Yellow Platform (Bonny Island), in Bonny Local Government Area”.
Also confirming the incident, the Bonny Local Government Council Chairman, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, ccondoled with the families of deceased.
Claude-Wilcox, in a statement on Monday, signed by the Secretary to the Council, John Gabriel-Pepple, expressed sadness over the incident.
“The Bonny Local Government Council is deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred on the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea-route on Sunday, January 19, 2025, claiming the lives of two adults and a toddler.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. May God grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. The Council shares in this grief and pain, and we pray that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
The Bonny council boss further expressed sadness, saying “information reaching the Council revealed that there was a passenger boat that met the scene of the incident but refused to stop to rescue the victims of the mishap while they were struggling to survive on the sea”.
Claude-Wilcox however, 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.