By Austin Ogwuda
AMIDST speculations regarding the actual number of casualties affected by the boat mishap involving passengers along Bennett Island River in Warri South, Delta State, Nigeria, the Delta State Police Command has clarified.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police, SP on Tuesday afternoon released a terse statement in connection with the accident.
The statement made available to The Townhall, reads: “BOAT MISHAP IN ALONG BENNETT ISLAND RIVER IN WARRI SOUTH
Five found dead, six persons injured and still receiving treatment, nineteen persons rescued, one still missing
SP EDAFE BRIGHT
PPRO DELTA STATE COMMAND”.
According to report, the sad incident occurred last Friday when a speedboat carrying passengers said to be returning from a burial ceremony at Gbaramatu, on top speed had a collision with a big log in the creeks causing the boat to be torn apart.
Unfortunately, the passengers were not wearing live jackets and got drowned while the body of a one-year-old was found floating along the creeks shortly after the accident, which drew tears from the eyes of the onlookers and sympathisers.
Pic: Courtesy: NAN