Two persons, including a serving police officer and a female passenger, have died in two separate fatal accidents on Bayelsa State waterways within 24 hours, the Bayelsa State Police Command has said.
The police spokesperson in the state, Musa Mohammed, announced the incidents on Saturday, describing them as tragic.
Mr Mohammed, a deputy superintendent of police, said the first incident occurred on Thursday, 6 November, along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass Local Government Area.
He said a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa with eight persons on board capsized.
The incident was reported by Maritime Union workers in Brass, the police said.
Upon receiving the report, the police said personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, immediately commenced search and rescue operations.
“Seven passengers were rescued, including the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“Sadly, the police officer initially reported missing was subsequently confirmed dead,” the police said.
The second incident, according to the police, occurred on Saturday, 7 November, at about 5:20 a.m., along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.
“Following a report by the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), the Command promptly deployed its Marine Police personnel to investigate and verify the incident.
“Preliminary findings revealed that a tanker vessel belonging to Sterling Global Oil Ltd, while navigating close to the shoreline, reportedly hit some canoes, resulting in their destruction,” it said.
In the incident, Victoria Abetnigo, an indigene of the community who was aboard one of the affected canoes, sustained serious injuries.
“She was immediately rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital for medical attention but was subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
“Her remains have been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while investigation continues to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” it said.
CP mourns, warns operators
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, Ajao Adewale, expressed profound sadness over the incidents and extended heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
He particularly shared in the grief of the Command over the loss of its personnel and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, as well as the fortitude for their respective families to bear the irreparable losses.
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He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy’s FOB FORMOSO, local divers, Maritime Union workers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community for their timely intervention and contributions to the rescue efforts.
He also urged all boat and commercial vessel operators to exercise utmost caution and strictly adhere to maritime safety regulations.
He advised them to maintain safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes and avoid reckless navigation.
“Passengers were equally urged to wear life jackets throughout their journeys, while all waterway users were enjoined to prioritise safety and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.”
