A pregnant woman, one female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, a 70-year -old chief, have been confirmed among the passengers lost their lives in a boat mishap on Saturday between Otuan and Ayama communities of Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. Also among the victims is a mother with her two kids.
The 70-year-old, Chief Lucky Daniels, is from Otuan community and also a father to a journalist in the state.
The boat and the corpses of the victims are still missing at the time of this report with rescue and search efforts ongoing at Ayama Community.
DAILY POST gathered that the boat, with a capacity to carry 15 passengers, rammed into a barrier while trying to berth close to Ayama community. It was also gathered that the afternoon rain storm, which made all the passengers cover themselves with Tarpaulin and reduced visibility may have contributed to the disaster.
Domo Timi, a journalist, whose father was one of the victims of the accident, said on the telephone that “my father was involved and rescue teams have been dispatched to check the scene for possible rescue”.
He however expressed confidence in more survivors due to the fact that most passengers were putting on life jackets.
The elected Chairman of the Maritime Union in Otuan Community, Joseph Shedrack told DAILY POST, that the boat driver, Lucky Christopher, who survived the accident, has been detained by the Police Unit in Ayama over alleged reckless driving.
”I was chairman of the Union but some persons who claimed to know more than themselves have been taking charge of the Otuan Unit. If I had been around, i would not have allowed the loading of the boat due to poor visibility and bad weather”.
He said preliminary investigations showed that the weather was bad and rain storm started but “those claiming to be acting allowed such trip. I was told a Corps member, two children and a woman died. Even the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor has called me.”
Credit: dailypost.ng
