Six passengers lost their lives and four survived when a Savvy Marine boat capsized Tuesday night along the Igbologun water channel in Lagos.
The incident unfolded around 8:35 p.m. on December 30, 2025, as the passenger vessel traveled from Ilashe Beach House toward its destination.
Preliminary findings point to a collision with a submerged object near the Nigerdock axis in Amuwo-Odofin area.
LASWA and NIWA swiftly activated joint search-and-rescue teams upon receiving the distress alert.
Rescuers pulled four individuals to safety while recovery efforts confirmed the deaths of six others.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise cause.
This heartbreaking event comes just hours before the new year, robbing families of loved ones during the festive season.
Many Lagos residents depend on these waterways for affordable daily commuting, yet night travel remains particularly hazardous despite repeated warnings.
Both LASWA and NIWA issued a fresh call for strict compliance with safety rules.
They urged operators and passengers to observe the no-night-travel policy, wear life jackets properly, and board only at approved jetties.
The agencies stressed that many waterway accidents remain preventable through simple adherence to existing guidelines.
The accident adds to Nigeria’s 2025 waterway toll.
Despite progress — with fatalities dropping significantly from previous years due to enhanced patrols, life-jacket distribution, and better coordination — incidents persist, especially during peak travel periods.
As investigations continue, communities mourn the victims and demand stronger enforcement to protect the thousands who rely on Lagos’ waterways every day.
