Lagos passenger boat capsizes leaving six dead and four rescued
Six people have died and four others were rescued after a passenger boat capsized on a busy waterway in Lagos, officials and eyewitnesses have said. The incident occurred on Monday evening when the overloaded boat, which was carrying more passengers than its capacity, encountered rough waters near the Marina area of Lagos Island. According to onlookers, the vessel began taking on water before overturning, sending passengers screaming into the lagoon as others struggled to stay afloat.
Rescue teams from the Lagos State Waterways Authority and local volunteers responded quickly to distress calls, pulling four survivors from the water and rushing them to nearby hospitals for treatment. The rescued individuals were reported to be in stable condition, although shaken by the ordeal. Emergency responders recovered the bodies of six victims, whose identities are being confirmed, while efforts continue to locate any other people who may have been on the boat. Authorities said the search was hampered by fading light and strong currents but was ongoing.
Local residents and commuters who use the waterways regularly expressed shock and sadness at the tragedy, with many calling for better regulation and enforcement of safety measures for boats plying Lagos’ water routes. Lagos State officials have reiterated the need for strict adherence to passenger limits and proper safety equipment such as life jackets, noting that water transport remains a vital part of the city’s transportation system. Eyewitness video footage shared on social media shows the moment the boat capsized and the frantic efforts of rescuers pulling survivors from the water, highlighting the urgent need for improved water safety enforcement.
The Lagos State Government has opened an investigation into the cause of the accident, including whether overloading and poor vessel maintenance contributed to the disaster. Families of the deceased and the injured are receiving support from community leaders and authorities as Lagos mourns another fatal incident on its waterways.
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