Two individuals have been confirmed dead, and the whereabouts of thirteen others remain unknown after a speedboat carrying passengers collided with a fishing boat.
According to local sources, the speedboat was transporting passengers from the Anyama Ijaw, Lubia, and Foropa communities in Southern Ijaw to the Akede community waterfront in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
A local source at the Akede waterfront explained that the accident occurred around 4:30 PM on Tuesday.
Tragically, two fisherwomen on the fishing boat were confirmed dead after the speedboat collided with their vessel. The passengers onboard the speedboat have not yet been accounted for.
Rescue divers are currently on the water attempting to locate any missing passengers. It was noted that at the time of the incident, communication in the area was hampered due to network issues.
The speedboat, named Meeting Marine and powered by a 115 HP engine, was operated by a man identified as Saturday. It was en route from Anyama Ijaw to the Lubia and Foropa communities when the collision occurred at the Akede community waterfront.
Reports indicate that a woman and a young girl from the fishing boat tragically drowned, and another woman also lost her life in the accident.
Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi, the Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in Bayelsa State, confirmed the incident, stating that the union and divers are currently on their way to the Akede community waterfront for a rescue mission.
He confirmed the death of two fisherwomen onboard the fishing boat, saying other thirteen passengers onboard the speedboat are yet to be seen.
He said all the passengers onboard the speedboat wore lifejackets, expressing hope that they may be rescued.
Comrade Ipigansi stated that the union was alerted to the accident and and the communication challenge hampered their rescue operations as network was challenging in the area.
Police Spokesman in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Muhammad, who confirmed the incident, said the speedboat driver is in police custody for questioning.
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