A devastating boat accident in Nigeria has left over 54 dead and many missing. The vessel, carrying more than 200 passengers, capsized in the River Niger. Rescuers have saved 24, but the search continues amidst fading hopes for additional survivors. The incident highlights chronic safety issues in Nigeria’s maritime operations.
Authorities in Nigeria have confirmed the recovery of at least 54 bodies from the River Niger following a tragic boat accident that occurred early on Friday. The vessel, which was reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, capsized during its journey from Kogi state to a weekly market in neighboring Niger state. Among the individuals on board, 24 were rescued and are currently receiving medical care, while many others remain unaccounted for. Rescuers, including divers, continue to search the waters, but the likelihood of finding additional survivors diminishes as time progresses. This event is part of a disturbing trend of boat accidents in Nigeria’s inland waters, exacerbated by poor adherence to safety regulations. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, with indications suggesting a lack of life jackets among many passengers. The absence of a passenger manifest complicates rescue efforts, making it challenging to determine the exact number of individuals onboard. Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo has mandated hospitals to provide necessary care for survivors and has called for more rigorous enforcement of boating safety rules to prevent future tragedies. This incident marks the third boat disaster within the last two months in Nigeria, raising concerns about maritime safety in the region.
The recent boat accident in Nigeria underscores the critical issues surrounding maritime safety in the country. With a significant history of boat-related incidents, particularly in the inland waterways, there have been persistent calls for improved regulatory compliance and accountability measures. Despite recommendations for safety protocols, such as mandatory life jacket use, practices often remain lax, leading to devastating outcomes. The challenge of record-keeping further complicates rescue operations, highlighting a systemic failure in oversight that needs urgent attention.
In summary, the boat accident in Kogi State has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 54 lives, with many individuals still missing. It reflects broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s inland waterway safety practices, marked by inadequate enforcement of regulations and insufficient record-keeping. As the search for survivors continues, the emphasis on improving safety measures and accountability is paramount to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.
Original Source: www.bbc.com