The Lagos State Waterways Authority said Sunday that the boat mishap that led to the death of five passengers was caused by damaged steering cable.
The agency added that it would embark on an aggressive campaign and enforcement of guidelines for commercial boat operators, in a bid to prevent boat mishaps in the state.
The Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs Abisola Kamson, in a statement said that beside the mechanical fault, the captain of the boat was “possibly also speeding.” She added that the the captain was being questioned by the Marine Police.
Five people had died after a passenger boat capsized at the Bayeku, Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Saturday while the ferry was coming from the Oke Ira Nla jetty, Ajah, in the Eti Osa area of the state.
According to LASWA boss, she later led a delegation of state officials to visit the site of the incident, adding that all passengers on board were wearing life jackets. She said 17 persons were rescued alive.
Five people had died after a passenger boat capsized at the Bayeku, Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Saturday while the ferry was coming from the Oke Ira Nla jetty, Ajah, in the Eti Osa area of the state.
“As such, we restate our commitment to the promotion of all safety measures and ensure that all operators comply with all safety standards in line with global best practices.
“On Wednesday, September 23, at Sabokoji Jetty in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government, LASWA commenced the distribution of 2,400 life jackets to students of riverine areas.”
She said that LASWA has concluded plans to embark on an aggressive campaign and enforcement of guidelines for commercial boat operators to prevent boat mishaps in the state.
She said the new measure was in line with the commitment of the state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode to ensure that water transportation by all standard, remained the most efficient and cost effective mode of transportation.
“The Lagos State Government in its drive to promote a multi-modal transport system, especially the movement of passengers, goods and services on its waterways, will under no circumstances compromise safety standards and the protection of lives and property. As such we restate our commitment to the promotion of all safety measures and ensure that all operators comply with all safety standards in line with global best practices”, she said.
