- 19-Year-Old Girl Missing After Canoe, Speedboat Collision in Delta
- Several Rescued as search ongoing
- Calls for Stricter Water Transport Safety Grows
A 19-year-old woman identified as Chinaza has been declared missing following a boat accident at the NPA Waterside in Warri, Delta State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred on Saturday when a canoe conveying passengers from Sandfill II reportedly collided with a wooden engine boat while crossing the river.
Eyewitnesses said several passengers were onboard the canoe at the time of the collision. While many were rescued, Chinaza was unable to make it to safety and has remained unaccounted for.
A seven-year-old boy who was travelling with his mother and sibling reportedly survived the accident after swimming ashore.
A passenger, identified as Favour and described as a friend of the missing teenager, said the operator of the engine boat voluntarily reported to the Marine Police and officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) after the incident.
According to her, the boat operator is currently being questioned by authorities as investigations continue.
Local divers and fishermen were still combing the river at the time of filing this report in an effort to locate the missing teenager.
No official statement had been issued by relevant authorities as of press time.
The incident has again raised concerns over safety compliance on waterways in Delta State, with stakeholders renewing calls for the compulsory use of life jackets, stricter regulation of boat operations, and enforcement of speed limits to prevent similar tragedies.
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