Kwara Boat Mishap – A recent occurrence which las led to the loss of lives and kept many families in the state of mourning.
On the 13th of June 2023, a boat which was said to be transporting 270 passenger through the route of Egbu village, from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi Local government were said to have been involved in the accident. As of this morning it has been stated that about one hundred and three people lost their lives with about fifty corpse being found by the response group.
This article will focus on safety measures to consider before opting for water transportation.
1). Avoid overloading
Most at time overloading is often the cause for all mishaps in water transportation. The boat definitely have a limit, so the boat operator must learn to understand the need for balance so the boat is not overweight at any side as this will help to maintain balance at each side of the boat.
2). Make use of safety jacket
The need for safety jacket must be emphasized on at every region that practices water transportation. There’s always a probability of having water transportation accident but the use of jacket can help the passenger stay afloat till the response group are available to pick them up to a nearby safe place for treatment and excellent safety measures.
3). Fill in the manifest
At every water transportation arena, there’s always a manifest log book where every individual boarding the boat is required to fill in their details so their family members can be reached and contacted for immediate need should an emergency occur. It is also important to fill in the contact of an family member or friend who are most likely to take emergency event seriously and speedily.
4). Do not panic during emergency.
All form of transportation can definitely lead to accident but the most important thing is to not panic. The state of fear and anxiety is often one of the reason a lot of people lose their lives. So the need to stay calm and focus on surviving is definitely the most important thing a passenger should pursue during a water transportation accident.
5). Stay as a group once emergency occur.
Stay as a group by holding hands during a both accident is also a great way to help with safety measures. Standing against gravity is possible when hands are joined together so everyone can stay afloat till a rescue group is available to help move the passenger out of the water.
Water transportation is fast becoming the father and easier means of transportation for people across the world. The government must also consider creating emergency and rescue group in area close to boat loading area so it would be easier to reach an accident environment in a short period of time to help save the passenger and with immediate effect.
Temi Badmus, Publisher, Quality Control Officer and Nutritionist.
