A boat mishap on ĺthe Onyoma-Ekowe waterway in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has claimed the life of one passenger, amid fresh condemnation of reckless operations on the state’s rivers.
The victim, identified as Mr. Luke Wonamah, a photographer from Okanga community in Iyalaa Local Government Area of Cross River State, drowned on Thursday afternoon when the overloaded passenger boat capsized around 2 p.m.
According to reports, he was hired to cover a burial ceremony in Ekowe.
Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Bayelsa State chapter), Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the wooden boat was carrying 12 passengers when it overturned.
Ipigansi blamed the tragedy on gross violation of safety regulations, stating that the boat did not load from the designated jetty, bypassed official checks, and had no life jackets on board.
“We have beach masters stationed at every loading point. They were the ones who quickly mobilized and rescued 11 passengers.
The 12th person was initially missing, but after an intensified search, the body of the deceased was later recovered,” Ipigansi said.
,
He reiterated the union’s call for strict adherence to maritime safety protocols, warning that cutting corners continues to put lives at risk.
Alleged unlawful detention: Court dismisses ex-Binance representative’s suit
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, Hon. Target Isaiah Segibo, has condemned the persistent disregard for safety rules by some boat operators.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Ayebaitari Easterday, the council boss directed security agencies to investigate the operator’s qualifications and whether mandatory safety equipment was provided.
Segibo warned that any marine vessel found operating without proper certification or life jackets will be impounded, while errant operators will face arrest and prosecution.
“Driving on the waterways without qualification poses severe risks to human lives and the environment. This administration will no longer tolerate such recklessness,” the statement read.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the dangers of overloading and non-compliance with safety standards on Bayelsa’s busy river routes.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
