One drowns in Bayelsa boat accident

File photo: A boat accident

One person has been confirmed dead in another boat mishap in Bayelsa State, according to the Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Ipigansi Ogoniba.

Ogoniba said, “While concerned citizens rescued the other passengers from the community, one person drowned due to the rising water level in the area.”

The speedboat carrying 15 passengers capsized on Saturday at the Okubie community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government of the state.

It is not clear what caused the accident, Ogoniba said

Bayelsa State Government had announced some safety measures following the tragic fire that engulfed the wooden boat which sank killing 20 persons.

The measures include a ban on cooking in wooden boats, the prohibition of carrying more than the petrol needed for the journey, and the wearing of lifejackets.

When reached, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State, Musa Muhammed, said he had no information about the accident.