At least 10 people died in Nigeria on Friday when a boat carrying 35 passengers bound for Port Harcourt capsized and sank, a rescue official and local government spokesman said.
“We can confirm that 10 persons died early today when a Port Harcourt-bound passenger boat sank,” National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) co-ordinator Onimode Bandele told AFP.
“Rescue efforts are ongoing and the agency is already working with other bodies and security agencies in the rescue efforts.”
The chairman of Bonny local government council, Adonye Wilcox, also confirmed the accident, which he said occurred at 7:45 am (0645 GMT).
“Information available… indicates that the boat hit an object on the way and sank,” he said.
“Local divers have rescued 17 persons, including four members of the National Youth Service Corps, while 10 persons died as a result of the accident”.
A search was being conducted for the eight people unaccounted for, Wilcox added.
Boat accidents in Nigeria occur frequently and are often caused by overloading, poor vessel maintenance, speeding and poor lighting.
Iran has announced another closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blaming the continued presence of…
Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has broken his silence about the child custody issue involving his…
Nigerian comedian Klintoncod has slammed celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest over his conduct during the…
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of its leader, Nnamdi…
A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has ruled that Adenike Oluwayemisi Ajayi is the…
Family members, friends, and colleagues of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo gathered in his hometown…