A devastating incident occurred on Wednesday along the Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, where a wooden cargo boat named ‘Godbless Dickson’ exploded and sank, leaving more than 20 people dead. The boat, carrying over 64 passengers and crew along with cargo, was en route to Swali market in Yenagoa when the tragedy struck.
The State Police Spokesman, ASP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue efforts by the Marine Police Unit are ongoing. As of now, several passengers are still unaccounted for, and the exact number of casualties remains uncertain.
Mr. Ogoniba Ipigansi, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, revealed that a rescue team equipped with two-speed boats has been dispatched to the scene to assist in the rescue operation. The ill-fated boat was laden with farm produce from a rural settlement, adding to the scale of the disaster.
Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Target Segibo, expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the incident as a regrettable disaster. He called for immediate and concerted efforts by stakeholders to strengthen safety regulations in the marine transport sector to prevent such tragedies in the future.
