Tragedy struck in Bayelsa State on Tuesday evening as a speedboat collided with a fishing vessel, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The fatal accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the Akede community waterfront in the Sagbama Local Government Area
It was gathered that the speedboat, which was transporting passengers from Anyama Ijaw to the deep creeks of Southern Ijaw, crashed into the smaller fishing boat.
A woman and a young girl aboard the fishing vessel were thrown into the water and tragically drowned. Passengers on the speedboat, however, survived the incident.
According to community sources, the accident was exacerbated by poor network reception in the area, making immediate communication and rescue efforts difficult.
Confirming the incident, Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in Bayelsa, stated that the union was alerted but faced challenges coordinating a swift response due to the network issues.
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Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Police Command has taken the speedboat driver into custody for questioning.
Police spokesperson DSP Musa Muhammad confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision.
Boat accidents remain a recurring challenge in the riverine communities of Bayelsa, often attributed to poor safety measures, high-speed travel, and inadequate navigational aids.
Authorities are urging operators to adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent further tragedies.