The police command in Rivers has confirmed the deaths of two adults and a toddler following the capsizing of a passenger boat on Sunday evening.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that 19 passengers were rescued from the tragic incident.
According to her, the boat was en route from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island in Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) when a sudden ocean storm caused high waves, resulting in the mishap.
“There were 22 passengers on board the ill-fated boat, but unfortunately, three individuals lost their lives.
“The bodies of the three victims, including a young girl, have been recovered,” she said.
Describing the incident as tragic, Iringe-Koko said that 19 passengers were rescued alive.
“The accident occurred near the Yellow Platform close to Bonny,” she added.
The police spokesperson said that the command had launched an investigation into the matter.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, also confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Council Secretary, John Gabriel-Pepple.
Claude-Wilcox said that preliminary investigation by the council revealed that the boat’s captain lost control after a sudden rise in the oceanic storm.
The council chairman urged both travellers and boat operators to exercise caution during travel and to adhere to safety protocols to prevent future occurrences strictly.
