Boat mishap claims lives of five burial guests in Delta

A tragic boat mishap has claimed no fewer than five lives while 20 others missing after two boats collided in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

The two speedboats were said to be carrying passengers who were returning from a burial ceremony.

Our correspondent gathered late Tuesday that the accident occurred on Monday evening.

Most of the passengers in the ill-fated speedboats were said not to be on life jackets when the collision happened.

Confirming the tragedy, the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, said six survivors were rescued but not without injuries.

According to him, the injured are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri.

“This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” Edafe said.

A resident, who gave his name as Emmanuel Okoro, described the scene as chaotic, saying, “People were screaming for help. Some managed to swim to shore, but many others disappeared beneath the water.”

Rescue operations are said to be ongoing as authorities and local volunteers search for the missing victims.