Four siblings, 16 others killed as as two boats capsize in Rivers

Four siblings, 16 others killed as as two boats capsize in Rivers

Four siblings are among over 20 persons killed when two wooden boats capsized in Rivers State.

The tragic incident occurred on Andoni waterways in Andoni Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday night, January 9, 2024, when the boats were heading for Bonny, a neighbouring coastal council area.

It was gathered that over 25 people were in the two boats when they were struck by a heavy wave. A rescue team team came hours later and rescued some victims, including one Mr. Ayayi Promise and his wife, Rose Promise (both pictured)

Sadly, the couple’s four children and little grandchild drowned.

Executive chairman of Andoni LGA, Erastus Awortu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, January 10, expressed rude shock over the tragedy and condoled the families and communities of victims.

Awortu regretted that the fatal accident occurred after successful festive celebrations, including unity carnivals in the council area.

He noted the council’s efforts to save those who were alive, offer first aid assistance to the injured and recover bodies of the dead from the river; as he promised to cushion the pains of the deceased families and communities in their trying moments.

Furthermore, the council chairman harped on the need for boat operators to insist on total compliance of all passengers to safety measures, and warned against night travels by sea.

“We received with rude shock and deep pain a disturbing report that over 20 persons from Andoni are feared dead in boat mishap involving two Andoni/Bonny-bound boats which occurred within the Andoni waterways on Tuesday January, 9, 2024,” the statement read.