BREAKING: TWO DEAD, ONE MISSING IN LAGOS BOAT MISHAP.

The essence of publishing this story here is certainy to upscale awareness of readers as regard Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life below water. 

We must as a matter of fact strive to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence.They cover 70 percent of our planet and we rely on them for food, energy and water.

Climate change affects life below water in such a way that warrmer waters cause coral bleaching, which in turn impacts coral reef ecosystems that are home to most of the ocean's biodiversity — and provide crucial sources of food for people. Change in water temperatures can directly affect the development and growth of most fish and cephalopods (such as octopus and squid).

It is unfortunate that preventable boat mishap has in recent times caused the loss of innocent lives. Although, based on experience on water, negligence in using safety materials on the side of local passengers and operators on board is responsible for the mishaps. 

To achieve SDG 14, stakeholders in the water transport sector must dot their Is and cross their Ts to make sure safety precautions for transport are strictly adhered to. No passenger especially the riverine community dwellers, should be allowed to go on board without safeguarding themselves. The sanctity of life on water should be non negotiable.

Sodiq Oyeleke

Two persons have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap that occurred on Monday around Offin Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, confirmed this in a statement, saying that the victims were going to a relative’s funeral.

The statement was titled, “4 Rescued 2 Dead 1 Missing in Ibeshe Fishing Boat Mishap”.

Emmanuel noted that the boat mishap occurred about 7pm.

He said the fishing boat involved was conveying seven passengers – five adults including the boat captain and two toddlers – when the incident happened.

“The boat from Makoko Community capsized into the Lagos lagoon while heading to Offin area in Ikorodu,” he said.

The LASWA boss added, “Further inquires revealed that the cause of the incidence was the rough water current usually recorded around the area.

“The first responders to the incident was a passenger ferry that witnessed the incident before the arrival of LASWA rescue team.

“Inquiries reveal that the fishing boat was clearly operating outside its fishing capability and therefore not equipped with necessary safety gadgets for passengers ferry operation. It carried the occupants who are all related and headed to Offin for a relative’s funeral.

“Upon further investigations, it was revealed that all seven passengers aboard were not wearing a lifejacket. Four passengers were rescued alive, two fatalities, and one passenger missing.

“The men of the LASEMA and Marine Police have been contacted to support the ongoing search operation for the remaining victim while further investigation is ongoing".