Passenger Boats Collide on Lagos Lagoon, 5 Missing, 11 Rescued in Critical Condition

Matilda Omonaiye/

A peaceful evening took a tragic turn yesterday when two unregistered boats, each carrying 16 passengers, collided in the middle of the lagoon at Imore Town.

According to police authorities, the collision caused both boats to capsize, sending passengers and their goods plunging into the water.

Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin told NewsmakersNG that a distress call was received by the Ilashe Police Division at around 7:00 PM, triggering an immediate response.

Hundeyin stated: “Marine and conventional policemen, along with local divers and other emergency responders, rushed to the scene. Despite the chaos, 11 passengers were rescued alive but injured, and were quickly transported to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for urgent medical attention.”

The fate of five other passengers remains uncertain as the search and rescue operation continues.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to recover the missing individuals. As investigations into the cause of the incident are underway, this tragic event has cast a pall of grief over the community.

Families of the victims are anxiously awaiting news, while Lagosians remain gripped by this unfolding disaster.