At least 11 people were rescued late on Monday night and three others confirmed dead when a 14-passenger boat sank around Ibeshe-Ikorodu waters in Lagos.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed on Tuesday.

According to the LASEMA statement, “The Agency responded to distress calls concerning a Passenger Boat which took off from Addax Jetty around 7 pm

“On arrival, it was discovered that a passenger ferry boat named Oluwaseyifunmi carrying 14 people had capsized due to a suspected mechanical fault and was rapidly submerged following its departure from the aforementioned terminal.

“A combined team of Water guards, the search and rescue team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and Agency responders were mobilized to the scene of the incident, leading to the rescue of 11 persons alive who have been taken to Ibeshe Ferry Terminal.

“Three passengers were retrieved dead and SEHMU has been tasked with transferring their bodies.

“An investigation into the cause of this mishap is being carried out by LASWA. Updates to follow.”