Esther Salifu
The Bayelsa State Government has banned cooking in wooden boats and made lifejackets compulsory for passenger travelling in a boat.
The measures follows a a tragic fire that engulfed a wooden boat conveying 15 passengers which capsized at the Okubie community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Ipigansi Ogoniba, on Sunday, disclosed that one person had been confirmed dead in another boat accident in the state.
The tragic fire that engulfed the wooden boat which sank killing 20 persons .
Ogoniba said: “While the other passengers were rescued by concerned citizens from the community, one person drowned due to the rising water level in the area.”
“The speedboat conveying 15 passengers on Saturday capsized at the Okubie community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
“It is not clear what caused the accident, but Ogoniba disclosed that while other passengers onboard were rescued by concerned community folk, one person drowned.
“The measures included a ban on cooking in wooden boats, prohibition of carrying more than the petrol needed for the journey and wearing of lifejackets amongst others.
“However, speedboat operators are known to ensure that all passengers onboard are on lifejackets.”
