BOAT MISHAP UPDATE: Ex- NIMASA Worker Confirmed Dead In Mile 2 -Kirikiri Incident

A former intern of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) simply identified as Zainab Akintonwa is the latest victim reported to have died in Tuesday’s boat mishap that occurred around the Mile 2- Kirikiri waters.

Recall that DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA had reported yesterday that a middle aged man survived the boat mishap that occurred along the Kirikiri Waterway.

The boat it was gathered had about seventeen passengers aboard before the incident occurred at about 5:30pm local time.

Meanwhile, preliminary report on the accident caused by the collision of the boat and barge conveying the passengers along the Mile 2 – Kirikiri waterways, according to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Friday , confirmed that a life was lost as a result of the incident.

Engr. Sarat Braimah,Area Manager (Lagos) who disclosed this in a statement said: “An accident occurred this morning, 28th July, 2020, as a result of the collision of a barge and boat conveying passengers along the Mile 2 – Kirikiri waterways.

“Unfortunately, a life was lost as a result of the incident. However, the identity of the victim is yet unknown.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the barge whose identity is NICO – 3 is owned by West High Logistics Resources Limited.

” The barge is being operated by SR Integrated PD Container and Logistics Limited from the facility of LAGFERRY.

“Meanwhile, the body of the victim has been recovered and deposited at the Marine Police Office. Further investigation into the incident is still ongoing.”

 

 

However, spokesman of NIMASA ,Chief Philip Kyanet in chat on Friday, disclosed the name of the victim as Zainab Akintonwa.

Kyanet said Late Akintonwa boarded the boat from Festac Town enroute Liverpool before the tragic incident occurred.

According to him,the boat was hit by a barge and regrettably she died in the mishap.

While responding via text message, the spokesman said: “A former IT Intern with the Agency. She boarded from Festac enroute Liverpool jetty.

“Their boat was hit by a Barge and regrettably she died in the mishap. Zainab Akintonwa is the name of the deceased”,the message stated.

In another statement the agency stated that:
“We at NIMASA are indeed saddened by the death of Zainab in that boat mishap, a former IT Intern with the Agency. It is quite regrettable that it happened.

“The moment the Agency’s attention was drawn to the incident, two (2) Top Management staff led a delegation to the family to commiserate and empathise with them. The Agency was involved in arrangements leading to her final interment.

“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to concerned stakeholders for the interest shown in the death of this young and promising Nigerian whose life was cut short by that boat mishap.

“It may interest the public to note that prior to this unfortunate incident, the Agency had met with NIWA and LASWA to discuss more collaborative ways towards a safer and more secure maritime domain.

We thank you for your genuine concern and interest in this very touching matter,”it stated.

 

By Roland Ekama