At least six passengers have died and four others rescued following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the incident in a joint statement on Wednesday, signed by Wuraola Alake of LASWA and Omowunmi Yussuff of NIWA. The accident involved a savvy marine passenger boat and occurred on Tuesday around 8:35 p.m. while traveling from Ilashe Beach House.
According to the authorities, search and rescue teams were immediately deployed upon receiving a distress alert, working alongside the Marine Police and other first responders. Four passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while six others were found dead at the scene. Rescue operations are ongoing to account for all passengers.
Preliminary findings suggest the accident may have been caused by a collision with a submerged object, although a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
“LASWA and NIWA assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the statement read.
The authorities also reminded the public to adhere strictly to safety regulations, including proper navigation practices, compliance with night travel rules, and reliance on verified information from official sources.
Earlier this month, LASWA and NIWA launched a festive-season safety campaign to protect travellers during high water traffic periods. The initiative emphasises the use of life jackets, maintaining passenger manifests, avoiding night trips, conducting vessel checks before departure, and intensified patrols and surveillance to prevent unsafe practices across Lagos’ waterways.
