Six Dead, Four Rescued After Lagos Boat Capsizes On Igbologun Water Channel
At least six passengers have died and four others were rescued following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the incident in a joint statement on Wednesday, signed by Wuraola Alake of LASWA and Omowunmi Yussuff of NIWA. The accident, involving a savvy marine passenger boat, occurred on Tuesday around 8:35 p.m. while the vessel was traveling from Ilashe Beach House.
Upon receiving a distress alert, LASWA and NIWA immediately deployed search and rescue teams, working alongside the Marine Police and other first responders. Four passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while six others were found dead at the scene. Rescue operations are ongoing to account for all passengers.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the boat may have collided with a submerged object, though authorities said a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
“LASWA and NIWA wish to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the statement read.
Authorities also reminded the public to follow all safety regulations, including proper navigation practices, compliance with night travel rules, and reliance on verified information from official sources.
Earlier in December, LASWA and NIWA launched a festive-season safety campaign to protect travellers during high-traffic periods. The initiative highlights the use of life jackets, maintaining passenger manifests, avoiding night trips, conducting vessel checks before departure, and intensified patrols and surveillance to deter unsafe practices across Lagos’ waterways.
