Lagos boat tragedy: Seven bodies recovered as rescue operation ends

Seven people have been confirmed dead in the Lagos boat mishap with 14 others rescued alive as the rescue operation ended on Sunday.

The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the July 5 boat mishap occurred at 8.00 p.m. having departed Ebute-Ero on Lagos island enroute to Ikorodu which was a violation of COVID-19 night movement restriction.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the search and rescue operation at Ipadoko Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu had been concluded.

He described the operations carried out in conjunction with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) dive team as extremely challenging since it was done under nightfall conditions.

“The operations had been concluded on Sunday,” the DG said, reminding the public to comply with the COVID-19 safety regulations spelt out by the state, including appropriate use of life jackets and restriction of movement on water at night.

The boat had 19 passengers and two crew members aboard including 14 males and seven females.