A devastating explosion aboard a wooden cargo boat named ‘Godbless Dickson’ has claimed at least 20 lives in the Bayelsa waterways of Nigeria. The incident occurred on Wednesday along the Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, sending shockwaves through the region and raising urgent questions about maritime safety.
ASP Musa Mohammed, the Police spokesman in Bayelsa, confirmed the death toll while noting that rescue efforts by the Marine Police unit were ongoing. The ill-fated vessel, carrying over 64 passengers and crew along with farm produce, was en route to the Swali market in Yenagoa when it burst into flames.
Mr. Ogoniba Ipigansi, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, reported that a rescue team consisting of two speedboats had been dispatched to assist survivors. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain as several passengers are yet to be accounted for.
In a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy, speedboat operator Mr. Augustine Amayoro claimed to have rescued 10 people from the scene, with other passengers reportedly stranded in a nearby fishing camp. The rescue operation continues as authorities race against time to locate and save potential survivors.
The incident has brought to light the exemption of wooden cargo boats from the state government’s ban on night navigation on waterways. These slow-moving vessels typically set sail a day ahead of the weekly market days, raising questions about the adequacy of current safety regulations.
Chief Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, described the disaster as regrettable and called for concerted efforts to strengthen safety measures in the marine transport sector. The tragedy has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive review and enforcement of maritime safety protocols in the region.
vanguardng.com
