Chukwudi Akasike
At least, six persons were feared dead on Saturday when a passenger boat capsized along the Abonnema-Bakana waterways in Degema, Rivers State.
It was gathered that the boat was conveying 25 passengers from Abonnema wharf to Bakana before the accident happened.
Though no reason was given for the boat accident, which occurred at about 2.30pm, it was learnt that inclement weather could have been the cause of the mishap.
A source, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said 19 persons had been rescued while six passengers were feared dead.
He said, “The passenger boat was moving from Abonnema wharf in Port Harcourt to Bakana in Degema Local Government Area and the accident happened between 2pm and 3pm today (Saturday).
“Twenty-five passengers were on board. At least 19 persons have been rescued and there is the possibility that six persons may have died after the boat capsized.”
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident, but said the number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained.
He said, “The DPO within the area where the incident happened, has confirmed the incident. But what he has is still sketchy, particularly as it concerns the number of casualties of the boat accident.”
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