At least 15 people, including two women, were feared dead in a boat accident at Akede community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Tuesday.
The spokesman for the state police command, Musa Muhammad, told journalists on Wednesday that the accident occurred when a speedboat collided with a fishing boat in the area.
He said the driver of the speedboat was in police custody for questioning.
An eyewitness said 13 passengers on board the ill-fated speedboat were still missing.
He added that some divers are already on the water to rescue the missing passengers.
“The speedboat named Meeting Marine, powered by a 115-horsepower engine, was traveling from Anyama Ijaw to Lobia and Foropa communities when it collided with a fishing boat at the Akede community waterfront.
“A woman and a young girl on board the fishing boat drowned,” the eyewitness said.
The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in Bayelsa State, Mr. Ogoniba Ipigansi, also confirmed the incident.
He said the union and divers are already in the Akede community waterfront for a rescue mission.
© Ripples Nigeria