A wooden cargo boat named Godbless Dickson, carrying over 64 passengers and crew, tragically exploded and caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 20 people in Bayelsa State’s waterways. The incident occurred on Wednesday near Ezetu 1 community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, as the boat was en route to Swali market in Yenagoa, laden with farm produce.
Bayelsa Police spokesperson Musa Mohammed confirmed the deaths, adding that rescue operations led by the Marine Police unit were still underway. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, as many passengers are still unaccounted for.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, dispatched a rescue team to assist in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Augustine Amayoro, a speedboat operator involved in the rescue, reported saving 10 people from the scene.
Despite a state ban on night navigation, wooden cargo boats like Godbless Dickson are exempt due to their slower speeds, prompting them to set sail a day ahead of market days.
Southern Ijaw Chairperson Target Segibo expressed deep regret over the disaster, calling for stronger safety regulations in the marine transport sector to prevent such tragedies in the future.
News Editor