The State Police Spokesman, ASP Musa Mohammed, has reported that an explosion and subsequent fire on a wooden cargo boat named 'Godbless Dickson' in Bayelsa State have resulted in the confirmed deaths of more than 20 individuals.
The boat, which was transporting cargo and had over 64 passengers and crew on board at the time of the incident, met with tragedy on Wednesday along the Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
According to the CirclesonTV, the ill-fated cargo boat was carrying farm produce from a rural settlement and was en route to Swali market in Yenagoa. Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, Mr Ogoniba Ipigansi, has also confirmed the incident and disclosed that a rescue team, comprising two-speed boats, has been dispatched to the scene to assist the passengers on board. However, he noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be ascertained, as the rescue operation is still underway, and several individuals on board are yet to be accounted for.
Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Target Segibo, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of 20 persons in the incident and urged stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening safety regulations in the marine transport sector. Additionally, the State Police Spokesman, ASP Musa Mohammed, emphasized that rescue efforts by the Marine Police Unit are ongoing.