The Bayelsa State government has announced stringent measures to prevent avoidable boat mishaps, including the mandatory use of life jackets and the provision of lifebuoys by all boat operators on the state’s waterways. This decision follows a tragic boat accident in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area that claimed the lives of around 20 people last week.
Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the announcement while presiding over the weekly State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa on Wednesday. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, he extended condolences on behalf of the state government to the families affected by the tragedy.
“Preliminary reports indicate some level of negligence on the part of the boat operators,” Ewhrudjakpo noted. In response, the government has implemented several new safety regulations. These include a ban on cooking aboard all boats, a requirement for all passengers to wear life jackets regardless of the type of boat, and a mandate that every boat be equipped with lifebuoys. Additionally, the existing ban on night travel remains in effect.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of thorough checks for inflammable materials on boats, restricting such items to only the necessary quantities for the journey. He stressed that these measures are vital for safeguarding lives and property, which he described as the primary responsibility of the government.
Addressing another recent security issue, Ewhrudjakpo expressed the government’s sorrow over a kidnapping incident on the Nembe-Brass route. He assured the public that efforts are underway to enhance security on the state’s waterways.
Furthermore, the government reiterated that no boat should carry more passengers than those listed on its manifest. The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside the Nigeria Police, the state Community Safety Corps, relevant security agencies, and the Maritime Workers Union, have been tasked with enforcing these new regulations.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also thanked the people of Bayelsa, particularly the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Hon. Target Segibo, and members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, for their efforts in the search and rescue operations following the Southern Ijaw boat mishap.
