At least 20 lives were tragically lost in a boat mishap on the Andoni waterways in Rivers State. The unfortunate event unfolded as two passenger boats capsized en route to Bonny's neighboring coastal council area.
Erastus Awortu, the chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, confirmed the devastating news in an official statement. He expressed profound shock and extended condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragedy.
The statement read, "We received with rude shock and deep pain a disturbing report that over 20 persons from Andoni are feared dead in a boat mishap involving two Andoni/Bonny-bound boats which occurred within the Andoni waterways on Tuesday, January 9, 2024."
Awortu further detailed the immediate response: "Upon receiving the sad development, we immediately dispatched our team to join the first responders on a rescue mission at the scene of the incident in a bid to salvage the situation."
The local government chairman assured ongoing monitoring of the situation, pledging further support to provide necessary medical attention to survivors and recover the remains of the deceased from the sea.
This tragic event highlights the safety concerns surrounding water transportation in the region. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, questions arise about the broader implications for maritime safety regulations and emergency response mechanisms
