A tragic boat accident on Sunday evening claimed the lives of three people, including a toddler, when a passenger vessel capsized en route Bonny from Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred near an area known as “Yellow Platform” close to Bonny Island, was attributed to a sudden windstorm.
The boat, carrying 22 passengers, departed the Bonny/Nembe/Bille Waterfront Jetty in Port Harcourt but succumbed to the stormy conditions around 5 pm. While 19 passengers were successfully rescued, the bodies of two male adults and a young girl were recovered following the incident.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident, describing it as deeply saddening.
“There were 22 people on board, unfortunately, we lost three people. Two of the bodies were first recovered and the body of the girl was later recovered. It is very sad, but 19 passengers were rescued,” she stated.
The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple, corroborated the account, confirming that the storm was the primary cause of the accident.
The Bonny Local Government Council expressed its condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, John Gabriel-Pepple, the Chairperson, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, described the incident as devastating.
She assured that survivors were provided immediate medical attention and warned against travelling during turbulent weather conditions.
“The Bonny Local Government Council is deeply saddened by the tragic boat crash that occurred on the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route on Sunday, January 19, 2025, claiming the lives of two adults and a toddler.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the crash was caused by a sudden rise of the oceanic storm which troubled the boat, leading to the unfortunate crash 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,” the statement read.
The council also revealed concerns about another passenger boat that reportedly ignored the victims at the scene.
“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 while they were struggling to survive on the sea,” the statement said.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the boat’s operator to come forward.
“Anybody with useful information about the particular boat driver should contact the council secretary. The Bonny Local Government Council advises travellers to be cautious of the weather and adhere strictly to the safety rules and measures of passenger ferries, to avert a recurrence,” it added.
Residents of Bonny Island have renewed calls for improved safety measures along the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route and urged swift completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road to provide safer travel alternatives.
