The manager of a ferry that capsized in Lagos State on Monday, October 7, 2024, has been arrested for alleged negligence and failure to comply with safety regulations.

The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sarat Braimah, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 8.

Braimah said the arrest was effected as a result of findings from a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She stated that the investigation was conducted by NIWA.

She said: “The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedence for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences.

5 missing, others injured as boats collide in Lagos

“Further legal actions are underway as investigations continue.”

The NIWA boss noted that the ferry manager must produce the captain of the boat, adding that it had been established that the fiber boat veered off its channel and collided with a wooden boat due to obstructed vision of the captain.

Braimah said the obstruction was largely due to loads on the fiber boat.

She added that the boat owned by Only God Ferry failed to adhere to operational safety standards and proper navigation procedures.

The boat mishap occurred at Imore in Lagos State on Monday.

According to the official, five passengers are still missing, five rescued with injuries, and others rescued unhurt.

The Star