70-Year Old Chief, NYSC Member, 5 Others Missing As Boat Capsizes

A pregnant woman, one female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, a 70-year -old chief, have been confirmed among the passengers who lost their lives in a boat mishap on Saturday between Otuan and Ayama communities of Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.

Also among the victims is a mother with her two kids.

The 70-year-old, Chief Lucky Daniels, is from Otuan community and also a father to a journalist in the state.

The boat and the corpses of the victims are still missing at the time of this report with rescue and search efforts ongoing at Ayama Community.

It was gathered that the boat, with a capacity to carry 15 passengers, rammed into a barrier while trying to berth close to Ayama community. It was also gathered that the afternoon rain storm, which made all the passengers cover themselves with Tarpaulin and reduced visibility may have contributed to the disaster.