Tragic Boat Race Accident in Lagos Leaves Three Dead and Eleven Rescued

On Monday night, a late-night boat race in Lagos resulted in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of three individuals and left eleven others in need of rescue.

The incident occurred along the Ibeshe/Ikorodu channel en route Ebute ipakodo ikorodu, taken off from Addax jetty, Lagos.

According to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the accident involved a 17-seater boat named Oluwaseyifunmi, which was carrying 14 passengers.

It was reported that the capsised boat and another passenger boat, yet to be identified, were engaging in a dangerous speeding contest, causing strong waves that capsized one of the boats while the other boat ran to Ibeshe jetty to call for help.

Local operators from Ibeshe jetty were the first responders, with the LASWA team joining the rescue operations shortly after.

In total, 11 passengers were rescued with three casualties. It was noted that no manifest was filled at the Addax Jetty before passengers boarded the boat.

However, nine of the 11 rescued passengers later filled the manifest at the Ibeshe ferry terminal after they had been rescued.

Two other passengers refused to provide their details.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) and the State Environmental Health Management Unit (SEHMU) were responsible for recovering and handling the three casualties.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and exercising caution when engaging in water activities.

As the investigation into the accident continues, the community mourns the loss of those who lost their lives and hopes for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.