10 lifeless in Nigerian shipwreck

Ten our bodies have been fished out of the Niger River in Nigeria’s northern Kebbi state on Wednesday after an overloaded boat with about 100 passengers broke in two, an area official mentioned.

The dilapidated vessel was crossing the river and broke in two because it approached the village of Samanaji in Koko-Besse district.

It had taken on passengers “means past its capability,” mentioned Yahaya Bello Koko, a district official.

“We discovered 10 passengers with the assistance of native divers, and we’re nonetheless on the lookout for 10 extra,” he mentioned.

They “are presumed drowned, contemplating the variety of hours they spent within the river,” Koko mentioned.

Greater than 80 passengers have been rescued, he mentioned.

Federal or state authorities weren’t instantly accessible.

Accidents involving boats are widespread in Nigeria. They’re usually linked to overloaded vessels, extreme pace, poor upkeep and disrespect for navigation guidelines.

In October, at the very least 80 folks drowned in two shipwrecks.