A devastating boat collision in the waterways of Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least five individuals, with twenty others reported missing. The incident occurred on Monday evening as two speedboats, ferrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony, collided under poor visibility conditions.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that many passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident, contributing to the chaos that ensued. The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the tragedy on Wednesday, noting that six survivors with injuries have been rescued and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri.

“This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” Edafe stated.

Witness Emmanuel Okoro described the scene as chaotic, with people screaming for help amidst the turmoil. He recounted, “Some managed to swim to safety, but many others disappeared beneath the water.”

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency responders and local volunteers actively searching for the missing individuals. The community is rallying together in the wake of this tragic event, highlighting the importance of safety measures on waterways, especially during transportation activities.