Three people, including a toddler, lost their lives in a boat mishap in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident which occurred on Sunday evening, January 19, 2025, involved a passenger boat travelling from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island.
It was gathered that the incident was caused by a storm at an area called ‘Yellow Platform near Bonny Island at about 5 pm.
The boat was said to have ferried 22 passengers from the Bonny/Nembe/Bille Waterfront Jetty in Port Harcourt, but three of the occupants did not make it when the boat capsized as a result of the storm.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident to Punch on Monday afternoon, said three have been recovered.
“There were 22 people on board, but unfortunately, we lost three people. Two of the bodies were first recovered, and the body of the girl was later seen and also recovered,” the PPRO stated.
“It is very sad, but 19 passengers were rescued alive. They were en route to Bonny Island from Port Harcourt when the boat capsized at Yellow Platform in Bonny. An investigation is ongoing.”
The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple, also confirmed that the incident was caused by a windstorm.
“Yes, it is true. There was a boat mishap yesterday. We lost some lives, two male adults and a girl. The boat left Port Harcourt and was going to Bonny,” adding that their bodies had been recovered.
The Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, in a statement issued on Monday, signed by the Secretary to the Council, John Gabriel-Pepple and sent to newsmen, said she was deeply saddened by the incident.
“The Bonny Local Government Council is deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred on the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, claiming the lives of two adults and a toddler,” Anengi said.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the mishap was caused by a sudden rise of the oceanic storm which troubled the boat, leading to the unfortunate mishap that claimed three lives, with 19 survivors who were all immediately taken for medical attention at the expense of the Bonny Local Government.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. May God grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and pray for the repose of the departed souls.
Claude-Wilcox, however, said the council was investigating a passenger boat that was at the scene during the incident but refused to assist the victims, even as she warned against travelling under turbulent conditions.
“Sadly, information reaching the Council revealed that there was a passenger boat that met the scene of the incident but refused to stop to rescue the victims of the mishap while they were struggling to survive on the sea.
“Anybody with useful information about the particular boat driver should contact the Council Secretary. Bonny Local Government Council advises travellers to be cautious of the weather and adhere strictly to the safety rules and measures of passenger ferries so as to avert future recurrence.”
