At least six passengers have been confirmed dead, and four others rescued following a fatal boat accident on the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening at approximately 8:35 p.m., has once again raised concerns about safety on Lagos inland waterways.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the tragedy in a joint statement released on Wednesday and signed by LASWA’s Head of Public Affairs, Wuraola Alake, and NIWA’s Lagos Area Office Head of Corporate Affairs, Omowunmi Yussuff.
According to the agencies, the accident involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat travelling from Ilashe Beach House when it encountered difficulties along the waterway.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched following a distress alert, with search and rescue operations conducted in collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders.
“As of the time of this report, four passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Sadly, six other passengers were found dead at the scene. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing to account for all persons involved,” the joint statement confirmed.
The rescued passengers are said to be in stable condition and receiving necessary medical care at an undisclosed healthcare facility.
Preliminary findings suggest the boat may have struck a submerged object, though authorities emphasized that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
LASWA and NIWA assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, with updates to be provided as more information becomes available.
The agencies are examining whether safety protocols were followed and if the vessel was operating within approved night travel guidelines.
Both LASWA and NIWA expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed their commitment to improving safety standards on Lagos inland waterways.
The agencies issued a strong appeal to waterway users to strictly adhere to safety regulations, including:
- Compliance with proper navigation procedures
- Adherence to night travel restrictions
- Use of life jackets at all times
- Avoidance of overloading vessels
- Engagement of only licensed and experienced boat operators
Authorities also urged the public to rely solely on verified information from official sources and to report any safety concerns or irregular activities on the waterways.
This latest tragedy adds to a concerning pattern of boat accidents on Lagos waterways. Previous reports have attributed such incidents to factors including untrained operators, drunk driving, poor vessel maintenance, and disregard for safety regulations.
As Lagos continues to explore water transportation as an alternative to congested roads, ensuring passenger safety remains a critical challenge for regulatory authorities.
