"Tragedy Strikes as Two Dead, 13 Missing in Bayelsa Boat Mishap"

 

A Sad incident unfolded on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM, when a speedboat collided with a fishing vessel at the Akede community waterfront in Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The collision led to the confirmed deaths of two individuals and left thirteen others missing.

The speedboat, named "Meeting Marine" powered by a 115 horsepower engine, was transporting passengers from Anyama Ijaw, en route to the Lubia and Foropa communities in Southern Ijaw. When the incident occurred, during its journey, the speedboat collided with a wooden fishing boat at the Akede community waterfront. Onboard the fishing boat were two women and a young girl, all of whom tragically drowned. All thirteen passengers aboard the speedboat are currently unaccounted for.

But Rescue efforts have been significantly hindered due to poor communication networks in the area, delaying coordinated search operations. Divers have been deployed to locate and assist any survivors, but the lack of reliable communication tools has posed additional challenges.

However, the Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in Bayelsa State, Comrade Ogoniba Ipigansi, confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the missing passengers. "He noted that all passengers aboard the speedboat were wearing life jackets, offering hope for their potential rescue".