8-4-2023.
Not less than four bodies have been found dead following a boat mishap that occurred along the Okoroma axis in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The local boat conveying passengers and goods from Yenagoa, the state capital to Okpoama in Brass LGA had on Thursday this week capsized near Iwokiri in Okoroma.
An eyewitness account revealed that the boat which departed Swali waterside for Okpoama was loaded with goods beyond its capacity.
The Bayelsa State Maritime Union Chairman, Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi confirmed that a search team had since been deployed which led to the rescue of several persons.
He said the exact number of casualties cannot be confirmed yet because the effort is being intensified to look for more bodies.
Also the Bayelsa State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat has confirmed the incident.
Meanwhile,Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is deeply saddened by the fatal boat incident at Okoroma community along the Brass waterways in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
Yet to be confirmed number of persons are said to be missing in Thursday’s mishap involving a local passenger boat.
The boat was said to be carrying scores of passengers and goods worth millions of Naira from Yenagoa to the Brass island and neighbouring communities when it suddenly went under reportedly due to overweight.
Governor Diri has directed the relevant government agencies, including security agencies, to collaborate in the search-and-rescue efforts and ensure the recovery of all missing persons.
The Bayelsa helmsman sympathised with injured victims and the families that lost persons in the sad incident.
He prayed that God will succour them over the unfortunate mishap.
He added that the government would review the cause of such incidents to take steps to ensure the safety of lives and goods on the state’s waterways.
Dara Network TV 