BOAT MISHAP: Bayelsa Government Takes Measures To Prevent Future Occurrence

The Bayelsa State Government has announced some measures aimed at reducing the number of avoidable boat accidents, including the mandatory use of life jackets and the provision of lifebuoys by all boat operators operating on the state’s waterways.

Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the state Deputy Governor, made the announcement while presiding over the weekly State Executive Meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday. He expressed sadness over the tragic boat mishap that claimed approximately 20 lives in Southern Ijaw LGA last week.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, while expressing condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state to the victims’ families, also announced a ban on cooking in what he refers to as “local wooden engine boats.”

He went on to say that the government would no longer tolerate the presence of illegal inflammables in boats, regardless of the amount of fuel required for any journey, in order to prevent future avoidable fire incidents and mishaps.

The Deputy Governor urged the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Navy, the marine component of the Nigeria Police, and the state Community Safety Corps to enforce the new measures, which include the state’s existing ban on night travel on waterways.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo also expressed sadness over a recent kidnapping incident along the coastal state’s Nembe-Brass corridor, urging all relevant security agencies to step up patrolling in the area.

He thanked Bayelsans, particularly the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Hon. Target Segibo, members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, and everyone who helped with the search and rescue operation that resulted in the recovery of the victims’ remains.

His words: “On behalf of our Governor, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences and deepest grief to the families of the victims of the tragic boat mishap that occurred in Southern Ijaw last week. Initial reports appear to indicate some level of negligence on the part of the boat operators.

“As a result, cooking on all of our boats is prohibited, and all passengers, whether on speedboats or wooden local boats, must wear life jackets. All boats must have life buoys, and night travel is still prohibited.

“In addition to the quantity required for the journey, all boats must be checked for inflammables that should not be on board. We believe that these measures will help save lives and property, as is the primary responsibility of government.

“We would also like to express our deep sorrow over the kidnapping that occurred along the Nembe-Brass route a few days ago.” It is unfortunate, but I can assure you that the government is working to improve safety on our waterways.

“No boat should carry more than what is specified in their manifest. We thank everyone who assisted in the rescue mission following the Southern Ijaw boat incident.

“The Governor has directed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigeria Police, the state Community Safety Corps, and all relevant security agencies, including the Maritime Union, enforce these measures to ensure safety on our waters.”