The death toll in Saturday’s boat accident at Badore near Lekki, Lagos has risen from two to 15.
Reports monitored on Television Continental (TVC) quoting Ijede Local Council Development Area chairman Salisu Jimoh that four bodies were recovered on Sunday and 11 yesterday.
A statement by Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the recovery of four bodies on Sunday.
The statement signed by its public affairs officer Kehinde Adebayo, however, said five bodies were recovered yesterday.
It said efforts were ongoing to get others who were on board the 20-seater boat.
A “sudden mechanical fault” caused the accident, the statement said:
“Search and rescue are still ongoing for the other missing persons yet to be found by officials of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and Marine Police with support from the local divers.
“Community leaders, as well as local fishermen in the area, have been informed to avail the agency of any information through the emergency toll-free lines 112/767 to enhance total recovery”, the statement said.
It urged those whose relations are missing to report to the Marine Police or any police station around the scene of the accident.
LASEMA stressed the importance of the use of life jackets by drivers and passengers to ensure safety.
Also yesterday, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the government would continue to fashion out ways to ensure safety on road, waterway and rail.
“It’s sad to hear of yet another boat mishap on our waterways. May God rest the souls of those departed while we keep working on finding lasting safety precautions for our waterways. It is sad,” Obasa said.