Not less than 13 bodies have been recovered after a boat capsized in Festac, Lagos on Tuesday night.
The incident was said to have occurred at a river at fourth avenue, opposite 41 road junction and that area has been a hot belt for oil vandals in the neighbourhood.
Confirming the disaster, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Femi Osayintolu said, “11 confirmed dead and six alive .Those that are alive have been taken to LASUTH for treatment. Operation is still on going”.
According to the spokesman, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, they received a distress call at about 11:10pm.
Navy Special Boat Service (SBS), National Inland Water Ways, Marine Police, LASEMA, POLICE Disaster Unit, Navy Air Wing and NEMA quickly sprang to action and began a search at the scene.
It was learnt that over 15 persons were onboard the boat.
Farinloye said they recovered 11 dead bodies at the time they got to the site.
“Some person were also rescued alive and have been taken to the hospital, while rescue operations is ongoing,” he said.
Dead victim being wrapped up
One of the victims was said to have died in the hospital, but the injured persons are said to be in stable condition.
Rescue team
Rescue team