CITIZENS COMPASS— 48 hours to the new year, six persons have lost their lives to a boat mishap which occurred on the Island of Amuwo-Odofin Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night as confirmed by the Lagos State Waterways Agency (LASWA) and National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) on Wednesday.
The agencies in a joint statement confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday night near the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel.
The statement signed by Wuraola Alake,Head, Public Affairs Unit, LASWA, reads:
LASWA/NIWA Reiterate Importance of Safety Measures in the Wake of Boat Mishap Near Igbologun, Activate Search and Rescue Operations
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have confirmed a boat mishap involving a Savvy Marine passenger boat on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 8:35 p.m, along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel, an Island in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
According to the Waterways Authorities, the boat was en route from Ilashe Beach House at the time of the incident.
Upon receiving a distress alert, they immediately activated their Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, which responded promptly and worked in close collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders.
As of the time of this report, four (4) passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Sadly, six (6) other passengers were recovered dead at the scene. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing to account for all persons involved.
Preliminary findings indicate that the incident may have been caused by a collision with a submerged object; however, further investigations are still ongoing to fully ascertain the cause of the mishap. LASWA and NIWA wish to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.
LASWA and NIWA extend its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and assure the public of its continued commitment to ensuring safety on Lagos Inland Waterways. The Authorities also reiterate the importance of adherence to all safety regulations, including proper navigation practices and compliance with no night travel rule.
Members of the public are advised to remain calm and rely only on verified information from LASWA\NIWA and other official sources.
