Three people, including a toddler, have been confirmed dead after a passenger boat traveling from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers State capsized on Sunday evening. The incident, which occurred around 5 p.m., was reportedly caused by a storm near the ‘Yellow Platform’ area close to Bonny Island.
The boat, carrying 22 passengers, had departed from the Bonny/Nembe/Bille Waterfront Jetty in Port Harcourt. Tragically, three passengers lost their lives when the vessel overturned due to the storm.
Grace Iringe-Koko, Spokesperson of the State Police Command, confirmed the incident on Monday afternoon, describing it as sad.
Iringe-Koko stated, “There were 22 people on board, but sadly, we lost three. Two bodies were initially recovered, and the body of the young girl was later found and retrieved. It is a tragic incident, but 19 passengers were rescued alive. The boat was traveling from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island when it capsized at Yellow Platform in Bonny. An investigation is currently underway.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple, confirmed the police report, attributing the incident to a windstorm.
Pepple confirmed the incident, saying, “Yes, it is true. There was a boat mishap yesterday, and unfortunately, we lost three lives—two male adults and a young girl. The boat departed from Port Harcourt and was heading to Bonny. Their bodies have since been recovered.”
In response, the Bonny Local Government authority has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat accident in a statement issued on Monday. The statement, signed by the Secretary to the Council, John Gabriel-Pepple, and shared with newsmen, reads in parts: “The Bonny Local Government Council is profoundly saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred along the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route on Sunday, January 19, 2025, claiming the lives of two adults and a toddler.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the tragedy was caused by a sudden oceanic storm that destabilized the boat, resulting in the unfortunate loss of three lives. However, 19 passengers survived and were immediately provided medical care, fully funded by the Bonny Local Government.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. May God grant you the strength and courage to endure this irreparable loss,” the statement read. It emphasized that the council shares in their grief and prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. Claude-Wilcox also disclosed that the council is investigating reports of another passenger boat present at the scene, which allegedly failed to assist the victims. She further urged travelers to avoid venturing out during turbulent weather conditions.
“Sadly, information reaching the Council revealed that there was a passenger boat that met the scene of the incident but refused to stop to rescue the victims of the mishap while they were struggling to survive on the sea. Anybody with useful information about the particular boat driver should contact the Council Secretary. Bonny Local Government Council advises travellers to be cautious of the weather and adhere strictly to the safety rules and measures of passenger ferries so as to avert future recurrences,” the statement added.
Concerned residents of Bonny Island have called on the relevant authorities to implement enhanced safety measures for commuters using the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route. They also urged the contractor handling the Bodo-Bonny Road project to accelerate construction efforts to ensure its timely completion.
