12 persons dead, five in hospital after boat capsizes in Lagos

Confirming the unfortunate incident to newsmen, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Femi Osayintolu and spokesman, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye had disclosed that about 11 dead bodies have so far been recovered from the water.

At least, 12 persons have been confirmed dead, while five others have been rushed to the hospital following a boat that capsized in Festac, Lagos on Tuesday night.

The incident reportedly occurred at a river in fourth avenue, opposite 41 road junction. The Nation has reported that, it was exactly 11: 10pm when security and safety agents got distress calls regarding the development, and they rushed to the place.

It was further revealed that the location where the mishap occurred has been marked as an abode for oil pipeline vandals.

They further confirmed that one of the 5 victims rushed to the hospital later died , but the remaining persons are said to be in stable condition and responding to treatment.

Osayintolu said: “11 have been confirmed dead and six alive .Those that are alive have been taken to LASUTH for treatment. Operation is still on going”. Meanwhile, Farinloye disclosed that rescue agencies got a distress call at about 11:10pm.

“We received a distressed alert around 11:10. Navy Special Boat Service (SBS), National Inland Water Ways, Marine Police, LASEMA, POLICE Disaster Unit, Navy Air Wing and NEMA were immediately mobilized to search the water.

“We were told that over 15 persons were onboard the boat and by the time we got to site, we recovered 11 dead bodies.

“Some person were also rescued alive and have been taken to the hospital, while rescue operations is ongoing ,” he said.