Boat Engine Explosion in Southern Nigeria Kills at Least 20
A tragic incident occurred on the Ezetu 1 River in Bayelsa State, southern Nigeria, when the engine of a wooden boat exploded and sank, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people.
The accident took place on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, as the boat was transporting traders from the small community of Ekeni to Yenagoa, the state’s capital.
According to Bayelsa police spokesperson Musa Muhammed, the cause of the engine explosion remains unknown. The disaster highlights the ongoing issue of boat accidents in remote Nigerian communities, where overcrowded, locally made boats are often the only means of transporting goods to market due to the lack of accessible roads.
Ipigansi Ogoniba, chair of the Maritime Workers Union in Bayelsa, provided further details during a news conference, stating that the explosion led to a fire that severely burned some passengers before the boat sank.
He also noted that emergency services were delayed in responding due to the absence of a telephone network in the area.
Boat accidents have become increasingly common in Nigeria, with several incidents reported in recent months. These accidents are often attributed to overloading, poor boat maintenance, and inadequate enforcement of waterway regulations.
Despite promises from authorities to improve safety measures, such as the provision of life jackets and stricter enforcement, little progress has been made.
The Bayelsa State government and maritime authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones in yet another preventable tragedy on Nigeria’s waterways.
Source: Africanews
