By Frank Ulom
IJAW (CONVERSEER) – A boat mishap along Southern Ijaw Local Government Area waterways in Bayelsa state has left one person dead.
Converseer reports that the deceased, a cinematographer, was travelling via a chartered boat with other passengers to another local government area to cover a burial ceremony.
According to the Chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Workers Union in Bayelsa, Ogoniba Ipigansi, who confirmed the news on Thursday, the mishap boat broke protocols, and the deceased has been recovered.
He reemphasised the need for river craft operators and commuters to adhere strictly to maritime safety protocols to avoid fatalities.
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“We have people at every water point. The beach masters were the ones who rushed to rescue the rest of the people when the incident happened.
“The boat carried 12 passengers and one was missing. Later on, we intensified our search and recovered the remaining person.
“This very boat didn’t load at the appropriate quarters, but cut corners to load inappropriately, and does not have life jackets on board.
