Navy Rescues 12 Drowning Passengers In Lagos

Ganiyat Ganiyu

The Nigerian Navy said on Monday that twelve passengers involved in boat mishap were rescued in Lagos.

The passengers were rescued by the men of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT attached to the newly established Forward Operations base in Takwabay.

According to the Information Officer, Commander Thomas Otuji, the incident happened on December 27, 2020.

The boat which were carrying 12 passengers capsized due to heavy waves caused by another boat transiting the same area at about 8:10 pm leaving their occupants scampering for help.

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He said the Nigerian Navy whose men were at the vicinity on routine patrols immediately moved to the scene for search and rescue operations while all passengers onboard the ill fated boat were rescued and conveyed to the Naval Medical Centre Dockyard, Victoria Island Lagos for immediate medical care.

Otuji said that boat operators and passengers are strongly advised to adhere to safety guidelines and measures before embarking on any trip.

“Relevant unions and associations are further advised to ensure that safety gears are provided by their members for passengers and to enforce the compulsory use of the safety gears by all passengers.

“Additionally, boat drivers should be subjected to regular and mandatory training and medical checks.”