20 die in Rivers boat mishap

At least 20 individuals were killed in a boat accident in Andoni waterways in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers state.

This was revealed in a statement issued early Wednesday the Executive Chairman of Andoni LGA, Erastus Awortu, who expressed his shock at the incident.

The terrible incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, is said to have involved two passenger boats on their way to Bonny, a nearby coastal council district.

Awortu expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and communities, lamenting that the sad tragedy occurred after successful festive events, including unification carnivals in the council region.

He described the council’s attempts to save those who were still alive, provide first aid to the injured, and recover the bodies of the deceased from the river; vowing to mitigate the pains of the deceased families and communities in this their trying moments.

In addition, the council chairman emphasized the need of boat operators adhering to all passenger safety procedures and recommended against nighttime sea travel.

“We received with rude shock and deep pain a disturbing report that over 20 people from Andoni are feared dead in a boat mishap involving two Andoni/Bonny-bound boats that occurred within the Andoni waterways on Tuesday January 9, 2024,” the statement stated.

“When we learned of the tragic development, we immediately dispatched our team to join the first responders on a rescue mission at the scene of the incident in an attempt to salvage the situation.

“Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and communities, particularly those in Ngo Town, Ataba, Isiama, and other communities where loved ones were involved in the boat mishap.

“We share their anguish and trauma, and our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

“As a Local Government, we will do everything we can to alleviate the grief of bereaved families and communities.

“We also warn the operators to desist from embarking on night journey on sea.”