Tragic boat mishap in Rivers claims 3 lives

A tragic boat mishap on Sunday in Rivers State has claimed the lives of three passengers traveling from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Bonny Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 5 PM near the “Yellow Platform” close to Bonny Island when the boat, carrying 22 passengers, capsized during a powerful storm. The vessel had departed from the Bonny/Nembe/Bille Waterfront Jetty in Port Harcourt.

Eyewitnesses reported that the storm proved too intense for the boat to withstand, leading to the unfortunate accident. Authorities confirmed that two male adults were among the three victims who lost their lives in the incident.

The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Monday afternoon, describing it as “sad.”

The police have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the capsizing and whether any safety protocols were breached.

Iringe-Koko stated. “They were 22 people on board, but unfortunately we lost three people. Two of the bodies were first recovered and the body of the girl was later seen and also recovered

“It is very sad, but 19 passengers were rescued alive. They were enroute to Bonny Island from Port Harcourt when the boat capsized at Yellow Platform in Bonny. Investigation is ongoing.”

Also speaking, the Chairman, Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple corroborated the police confirmation that the incident was caused by a windstorm.

Pepple said, “Yes it is true. There was a boat mishap yesterday. We lost some lives, two male adults and a girl. The boat left Port Harcourt and was going to Bonny,” adding that their bodies have been recovered.

Meanwhile, the Bonny Local Government authority have commiserated with the bereaved families.

The Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, in a statement issued on Monday, signed by the Secretary to the Council, John Gabriel-Pepple and sent to newsmen said she was deeply saddened by the incident.

The statement partly reads, “The Bonny Local Government Council is deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred on the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea-route on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, claiming the lives of two adults and a toddler.

“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 who were all immediately taken for medical attention at the expense of the Bonny Local Government.

“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,” saying the council shares in this grief and pain and prayed for the repose of the departed souls.

Claude-Wilcox however said the council was investigating a passenger boat which was at the scene during the incident but refused to assist the victims, even as she warned against travelling under turbulent conditions.

The statement added, “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.”

However, 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 the contractor working on the Bodo-Bonny Road to expedite work to ensure its early completion.