A devastating boat collision in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State has left five people dead and 20 others missing. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday evening, involved two speedboats carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony. The collision, caused by poor visibility on the waterways, has sparked a wave of grief and confusion, with local authorities and volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing victims.
The boats, which were filled with mourners, collided head-on, leading to a chaotic scene on the water. According to local reports, most of the passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the collision, a factor that has contributed to the high number of casualties and missing persons.
The Incident Unfolds: A Chaotic Scene
A local resident, who spoke to PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity, described the tragic incident as a result of poor visibility on the waterways. “The incident is an unfortunate one. It involved two speedboats carrying passengers who attended a burial ceremony. Poor visibility on the waterways caused the head-on collision,” the source said.
Eyewitnesses to the event described the scene as chaotic. Emmanuel Okoro, a resident who was nearby when the collision occurred, shared his distressing account of the aftermath. “People were screaming for help. Some managed to swim ashore, but many others disappeared beneath the water,” Okoro said. The confusion and panic that followed the collision made rescue efforts more difficult, as people scrambled to escape the water.
Survivors and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
As of now, six survivors have been rescued, though all of them sustained injuries. The survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri. According to Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, authorities are working in collaboration with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers. “This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” SP Edafe confirmed.
The police have urged the public to remain patient as the search continues for the missing individuals, and the authorities remain hopeful that more survivors can be found. Local volunteers have also joined the search effort, lending their support in the search for the missing victims.
Lack of Life Jackets: A Contributing Factor
Reports indicate that the majority of the passengers involved in the collision were not wearing life jackets, a factor that has worsened the outcome of the accident. The absence of life jackets during the collision may have played a crucial role in the high number of fatalities and missing persons. Local authorities are expected to investigate the issue further as part of the ongoing inquiry into the incident.
Authorities Respond and Investigate
Despite efforts to reach the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) for comment, no official response has been received as of the time this report was filed. However, local authorities and emergency services are continuing their efforts to account for the missing passengers and ensure that the survivors receive the care they need.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of life in this tragic accident has deeply affected the community, with many people grappling with the suddenness of the event. Local residents have expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident, and the families of the victims are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
As authorities continue their search for the missing and investigate the cause of the collision, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures on the water, particularly the use of life jackets during boat travel.
Ongoing Rescue Operations and Hopes for More Survivors
Rescue operations remain ongoing, with divers and local volunteers searching the waterways for any signs of the missing victims. The local community has rallied around the affected families, offering support as authorities work to bring closure to this devastating event. The outcome of the rescue efforts remains uncertain, but hope persists that more survivors can be found.
As the investigation continues, questions are likely to arise regarding safety protocols for passengers traveling on speedboats in the region. The authorities are expected to provide further updates as they gather more information about the cause of the collision and the steps that will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
