Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Saturday directed the search and rescue of victims of Thursday’s boat mishap, where a yet-to-be ascertained number of victims drowned.

The directive to relevant government agencies, including security agencies, is contained in a statement by Daniel Amanda, chief press secretary to the Bayelsa governor.

So far, three bodies have been recovered at the accident site located in the Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

According to the statement, Mr Diri is deeply saddened by the fatal boat incident at Okoroma community along the Brass waterways.

“The boat was said to be carrying scores of passengers and goods worth millions of naira from Yenagoa to the Brass island and neighbouring communities when it suddenly went under, reportedly due to overloading.

“Governor Diri has directed the relevant government agencies, including security agencies, to collaborate in the search-and-rescue efforts and ensure the recovery of all missing persons,” he said.

The governor sympathised with injured victims and the families that lost persons in the sad incident, praying that God will give them succour over the unfortunate mishap.

He added that the government would review the cause of the accident to take steps to ensure the safety of lives and goods on the state’s waterways.

The chairman, Bayelsa chapter of the Maritime Workers Union, Ipigansi Ogoniba, told journalists that the actual casualty figure is yet to be ascertained as the rescue effort has entered the second day.

Mr Ogoniba regretted that agencies of government had abdicated rescue efforts to the union and volunteers.

(NAN)