At least 10 die as boat capsizes in Port Harcourt

At least 10 persons have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying 35 people capsized in the early hours of today August 29th in a river in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mr Onimode Bandele said rescue efforts are still ongoing in the search of more people.

“We can confirm that 10 persons died early today when a Port Harcourt-bound passenger boat sank. Rescue efforts are ongoing and the agency is already working with other bodies and security agencies in the rescue efforts.” he said

Chairman of Bonny local government council, Adonye Wilcox, said

"Information available indicates that the boat hit an object on the way and sank. Local divers have rescued 17 persons, including four members of the National Youth Service Corps, while 10 persons died as a result of the accident” he said.