Six teenagers missing in Lagos canoe accident

Six teenagers have been declared missing after a canoe capsized on the Ojo waterways in Lagos.

The canoe, carrying 14 teenagers, sank yesterday  after a collision with a fibre boat around 8am at Irewe in Ojo Local Government Area.

It was learnt that the fibre boat, which was on high speed, rammed into the canoe, causing it to sink.

Nine of the passengers, including the paddler of the canoe, were rescued by emergency workers and public spirited individuals but six others could not be found.

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) General Manager Femi Oke-Osayintolu said five of the nine rescued were taken to the Igando General Hospital. Four others, including the paddler were discharged after first aid treatment was administered on them.

He said the search for the remaining six would continue, adding that both local emergency responders and LASEMA personnel were working at getting them rescued.

Asked if the boat was overloaded, the LASEMA boss said no, although he added that the passengers were not putting on safety jackets.

“It was the fibre boat that ran into the canoe. It happened around 8am. We have rescued nine persons including the boat driver. The driver and four of the children were discharged after first aid because they were okay. We took the other five to the General Hospital Igando for treatment, while the search for the remaining six continues,” he said.