17 Die, 17 Rescued n Lagos Boat Accidents In 10 Months

 No fewer than 17 persons died in July 2022 in a boat accident around Third Mainland Bridge,  Lagoos while another 17 were rescued  in a different  accident in February 2023 at the same place.

Both commercial ferries were heading to Ebute-Ero from Ibechein Ikorodu when it capsized at place near the Bariga Jetty.

While the passengers in the 2022 accident did not survive, the same number of passengers survived in 2023 through the help of rescue team and their adherence to safety rules by the  LagosState Waterways Authority (LASWA.)

To improve waterways safety and in preparation for the rainy season, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has since commenced its yearly Waterways Safety Awareness Campaign aimed at enlightening ferry passengers about waterways safety rules and regulations.

The continuous safety sensitisation programme kicked off recently at Ebute-Ero Jetty and also extended to Sabonkoji, Temidire, and Liverpool Jetties respectively.

According to the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. DamilolaEmmanuel, the Safety Awareness Campaign team also visited Ipakodo Ferry Terminal, Baiyeku, Ibeshe, and Ijede Jetties in Ikorodu axis for the enlightenment of ferry passengers within the axis.

The General Manager noted that during the awareness exercise, items like safety information booklets, safety souvenirs, and different sizes of life jackets, were given to ferry passengers at the Jetties and Terminals free of charge.

Furthermore, Emmanuel informed that officials of the agency were at the various Terminals and Jetties visited to lecture passengers on safety precautions such as what to do in an emergency, how to wear a life jacket properly, and other safety rules and regulations.

Beneficiaries of the free life jackets commended LASWA for organising the programme and craved more periodic enlightenment sessions about safety on waterways.