By Damilare Adeleye
No fewer than 20 passengers have reportedly lost their lives after two boats capsized in Lagos on Monday night.
It was learnt that the boats were conveying 16 passengers each, and caved in after a collision which occurred around 7pm, at Imore lagoon.
However, the destination of the boats is yet to be ascertained.
The tragedy was confirmed by State Police Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who said 11 of the passengers were rescued.
The police added the boats were unregistered and that a report about the accident was made at the Ilashe Police Division.
Hundeyin said all 32 passengers and their goods drowned when the boats capsized, adding that it took the intervention of the police, local divers and other emergency responders to rescue the 11.
He said those rescued had injuries and were rushed to the Naval Town Hospital in Ojo for medical attention, adding that search and rescue operations were ongoing for the remaining victims.
According to his statement, “At about 1900hrs, a distress call was received at Ilashe Division that 2 unregistered passenger boats, both having 16 passengers on board, allegedly collided in the middle of the lagoon at Imore town and the process, the boats capsized and the passengers got drowned with the goods.
“Based on the report, teams of conventional/marine policemen, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene where 11 of the passengers were rescued with injuries and were rushed to naval hospital, Navy Town Alakija for medical attention while search and rescue operation is being intensified, to recover bodies of other victims.
“Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing.”