Metro

Boat mishap: Ondo NSCDC identifies violation to lifejacket rules, overloading as causes

…Threatens sanction

….Deploys Marine Special force

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Speaking on the backdrop of the recent boat mishap at Ilaje Area of Ondo State that claimed the life of one, leaving 15 others wounded, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), said it will no longer tolerate passengers without lifejacket and overloading in boats.

The Ondo state command of the corps has therefore warned that violation of safety rules on waterways by boat and ferry operators, transporters and passengers will be visited by the full wrought of the law.

In a statement issued by Olufemi Omole, the command spokesperson, reiterated that the command will no longer tolerate the lackadaisical attitude of boat transporters who are only concerned with loading goods and passengers without ensuring their safety.

He expressed concern that mishaps on waterways are often caused by disobedience to laws and carelessness primarily over-speeding and refusal to use Life Jackets.

According to him, the recent incidence that a speed boat left Ugbonla for Igbenefa in Ilaje in the night and unfortunately collided with a bigger wooden boat from the high sea leading to the death of one person while four other passengers sustained injured.

The NSCDC men deployed on rescue operation to the area were able to recover bodies of two victims of the accident: Oki Michael and Omogbehin Adebayo.

The release went further to state: “It is high time our people place premise on the value of human life; we have warned repeatedly that no transporter or passenger should travel the waterways without putting on their life jackets.

“Henceforth, the Command Marine Special force would be on patrol and violators be arrested”

He said the Command will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda in adhering to the safety measures and arrest of suspected Illegal dealers in Petroleum products, vandals, oil bunkers and enforcement of safety rules on waterways.

He disclosed that the NSCDC in the state has trained officers and men who would, in turn, carry out Public Sensitization and Awareness Programs on how to identify possible security threats and imbibe proactive Safety Precautions; stressing that the Command is fully committed to the Corps Mandate in Safeguarding all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Disaster management, Intelligence gathering amongst others.

While commiserating with the families of the victims and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Ondo State Chapter; the Command helmsman reiterated that Safety of lives and property is a prerogative of the NSCDC thus, refusal to wear life jackets while plying the waterways will no more be tolerated.