Tragedy Strikes as Boat Capsizes in Ndokwa East: Goods Worth Millions Lost
BY WISDOM NDISIKA
ABOH/Nigeria: A boat carrying passengers and traders from Abala-Uno, in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, capsized on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, resulting in the loss of goods valued at millions of naira.
The tragic incident occurred at around 2:30pm at the Onu-Utu junction along the Onuaboh River.
The vessel, named Ogbue Umu-Oshele, was en route to the Iselegu market when it capsized. Although there was significant loss of valuable items, including plantains, bags of cassava flakes, and tubers of yam, there were no fatalities.
Chief Umu-Aka, chairman of the Marine Boat Association of Osuofia Ward, confirmed the incident and said that rescue efforts were promptly deployed.
“We immediately dispatched speed boats, barges, and open boats to save lives and recover the remaining goods. Unfortunately, not everything could be salvaged,” he lamented.
The boat, which often carries over 200 passengers, mostly traders and travellers, is believed to have been overwhelmed by strong oceanic currents, leading to the mishap.
A member of the rescue team, who requested anonymity, identified two injured victims—Mrs. Ehechi Emeluwe, a trader, and Mr. Eugene Ike. Other injured passengers, including a boat worker, have yet to be identified, but all lives were saved after a three-hour rescue effort.
The disaster has sent waves of grief through the Abala and Onuaboh communities, as locals extend their sympathies to the affected families.
Many have called on local leaders and the government to take swift action in improving the safety of river transport for traders, to enhance productivity and avert future tragedies.
