A tragic boat accident at Beneth Island in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has led to the death of a toddler, and seven other people, while over 20 others are still missing.
The boat accident which happened at the weekend, occurred when the speedboat carrying passengers who were returning from a burial ceremony, collided with a submerged log, causing it to capsize.
Eyewitnesses report that the boat was traveling at high speed when the accident occurred. The resultant collision threw many passengers overboard into the water, many of whom were unable to swim and were not equipped with life vests.
Many of passengers on the ferry drowned almost immediately upon being flung into the river, while others went missing in the murky waters. However, the lifeless body of the one-year-old child was discovered hours later floating along the creek.
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Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts have been launched, but the fate of the missing passengers remains uncertain.
Witnesses and survivors recounted harrowing moments of desperation, as passengers struggled to stay afloat. Families of the victims have been left devastated, with many still clinging to the hope that the missing, including other children, may still be found alive.
Rescue teams continue to comb the area where the accident happened, but hopes of finding survivors are fading as time passes.
