…19 Passengers Rescued
By Eric Moore
TWO adults and a toddler have lost their lives in a boat mishap along the Bonny River in Rivers State on Sunday.
Preliminary findings revealed that the mishap was caused by a sudden rise of oceanic storm which troubled the boat, leading to the unfortunate mishap that claimed three lives, with 19 survivors.
Pentoks News gathered that the 19 survivors were immediately taken for medical attention at the expense of the Bonny Local Government.
However, the Bonny Local Government Council has condoled with the families of two adults and a toddler who lost their lives in the incident.
Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, in a statement on Monday, signed by the Secretary to the Bonny Local Government, John Gabriel-Pepple said she was deeply saddened by the incident.
She expressed: “We extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. May God grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“The Council shares in this grief and pain, and we pray that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
The council has urged members of the public to assist with useful information on a passenger boat that met the scene but refused to render assistance to the incidented boat or its stranded passengers.
Also, the Bonny LGA has advised travellers to be wary of embarking on a trip under inclement weather.
“Sadly, information reaching the Council revealed that there was a passenger boat that met the scene of the incident but refused to stop to rescue the victims of the mishap while they were struggling to survive on the sea. Anybody with useful information about the particular boat driver should contact the Council Secretary.
“Bonny Local Government Council advises travellers to be cautious of the weather and adhere strictly to the safety rules and measures of passenger ferries, so as to avert future recurrence.
“May God comfort and console us all and give the families the fortitude to bear this unbearable loss.”
Meanwhile, concerned residents of Bonny Island have continued to call on the relevant authorities to provide better safety measures for commuters utilizing the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route, as well as compel Julius Berger to expedite work on the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road.
Some have also charged the security agencies including the Marine Police to enforce marine safety protocols at the Port Harcourt.
State Police Command through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), has confirmed the mishap and number of survivors.