An athlete with the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, identified as POPTI Emmanuel Dennis, has died in a boat accident during training on Saturday, November 28.
The sad incident occurred while the former national athlete was test running his Laser boat at the club’s waterfront in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.
Barrister Emmanuel Agha, Vice Commodore of the club, who confirmed the incident said the deceased’s boat capsized but his team mates erroneously believed he was doing a drill by going underwater to bring his boat up.
According to him “He sadly didn’t come up again.”
He further explained that divers on ground were immediately sent in on a search and rescue operation but after searching under the water for several hours, they returned without the athlete.
“The Nigerian Navy High Command have been contacted on the sad incident” he added.
Club Commodore, Navy Sailing Club, Tunde Giwa-Daramola, who also spoke on the unfortunate incident, noted that the Navy Sailing Club is known for its high safety standards.
Daramola said the deceased was committed to the sport and had contributed to the development of watersports in Nigeria by encouraging other athletes and officers.
