At least six people have died, and four others were rescued following a boat mishap on the Lagos waterways, authorities said on Wednesday, prompting renewed calls for strict adherence to maritime safety regulations.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed that the incident occurred at about 8:35 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel. The passenger boat, operated by Savvy Marine, was en route from Ilashe Beach House when it ran into trouble.

In a joint statement, the agencies said their Search and Rescue (SAR) teams were immediately activated after a distress alert was received, working alongside the Marine Police and other emergency responders.

“Four passengers were successfully rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving medical attention,” the statement said. “Sadly, six other passengers were recovered dead at the scene. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to account for all persons involved.”

Preliminary assessments suggest the boat may have collided with a submerged object, although authorities stressed that investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause of the accident.

LASWA and NIWA expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed their commitment to improving safety on Lagos inland waterways.

The agencies also reiterated the need for operators and passengers to comply fully with established safety regulations, including proper navigation procedures and the prohibition of night travel.

Members of the public were urged to remain calm and rely solely on verified information from official sources as rescue and investigative efforts continue.

The Lagos waterways are a key transport route for coastal and riverine communities, but accidents have periodically raised concerns about enforcement of safety standards, particularly during night operations.

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