One dies, 14 rescued as boat capzises in Bayelsa

The Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Ipigansi Ogoniba, on Sunday, said one person had been confirmed dead in another boat accident in the state.

While speaking with our correspondent, Ogoniba said, “While the other passengers were rescued by concerned citizens from the community, one person drowned due to the rising water level in the area.”

The speedboat conveying 15 passengers on Saturday capsized at the Okubie community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

It is not clear what caused the accident, but Ogoniba said while other passengers onboard were rescued by concerned community folk, one person drowned.

The Bayelsa State Government had announced some safety measures following the tragic fire that engulfed the wooden boat which sank killing 20 persons.

The measures included a ban on cooking in wooden boats, prohibition of carrying more than the petrol needed for the journey and wearing of lifejackets amongst others.

However, speedboat operators are known to ensure that all passengers onboard are on lifejackets.

When reached, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State, Musa Muhammed, said he had no information about the accident.

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