Boat Mishap Claims Three in Rivers
Barikui Felix- Port Harcourt
Three persons have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap which occurred on Sunday along the Bonny-Port Harcourt waterways in Rivers State.
The Bonny local council issued a statementand signed by its secretary, Pastor John Gabriel-Pepple, said the incident deeply saddens the commission.
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 travelers to be cautious of the weather and adhere strictly to the safety rules and measures of passenger ferries 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, said in a statement on his verified social media handle that 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 travelers to be wary 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 to the public in a few months, bringing an end to boat mishap issues, we will work hand-in-glove with the local government council, boat drivers, and other stakeholders to prevent the recurrence of incidents like this.”
