- 80% Cargo Lost as Barge Sinks in Lagos Lagoon
- “We are worried because it’s reportedly carrying chemicals that could be hazardous”
- All crew safe
The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) on Saturday confirmed that a barge owned by one of its members sank while trying to berth at the Clarion Shipping bonded terminal in Mile 2, Lagos, leading to the loss of over 80 percent of its cargo.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the barge was said to be carrying industrial chemicals, went under in the lagoon on Friday after an unsuccessful docking attempt.
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BOAN’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel Eze, stated that efforts were underway to reach the vessel’s owner. He added that although the crew was safe, the majority of the cargo was lost.
“The incident happened in a highly congested maritime zone with around seven jetties operating in the area, four of which are near the Lagos State ferry route to CMS Island,” Eze said. “Barges, ferries, and smaller crafts often converge in this corridor, limiting navigation space for vessels moving between Festac, Mile 2, Apapa, and CMS.”
As of 11 a.m. on Saturday, no safety agency had arrived at the site to begin recovery or evacuation.
A local resident, Martins Ogwu, voiced concern about the potential environmental and health hazards the sunken barge could cause.
“The barge is about 90 per cent underwater,” he said. “We are worried because it’s reportedly carrying chemicals that could be hazardous. The government must act fast to remove the vessel.”
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