At least six people have died after a passenger boat travelling from Ilashe Beach capsized late Tuesday night along a water channel near the Igbologun area of Lagos, according to local authorities.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said four other passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In a statement released on Wednesday, LASWA confirmed that the incident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. local time on December 30, when a Savvy Marine passenger boat was en route from Ilashe Beach House.
Preliminary findings suggest the vessel may have collided with a submerged object along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun waterway, causing it to capsize, the agency said. Authorities stressed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
“As of the time of this report, four passengers have been successfully rescued and are receiving medical attention, while six others were recovered dead at the scene,” the statement said.
LASWA added that search and rescue operations were conducted in coordination with the Marine Police, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and other emergency responders to account for all persons involved.
The agency extended condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated its commitment to improving safety across Lagos’ inland waterways. It also reminded boat operators and passengers of existing safety regulations, including restrictions on night travel.
Boat accidents remain a recurring concern in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, where waterways serve as a major mode of transportation for coastal and riverine communities. Safety advocates have repeatedly warned that submerged debris, abandoned dredging equipment, and seasonal water hyacinth growth pose significant navigation hazards, particularly during night operations.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
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