National Inland Waterways Authority has averted another barge accident on Lagos waterways when it rescued a loaded barge, Sekinatu, abandoned on Lagos waters.
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah, on Wednesday, confirmed that staff of the agency discovered the loaded barge, abandoned around Takwa Bay, blocking the main channel to the outside bar.
She explained, “This barge was seen on the waterways floating aimlessly without any tugboat attached to it. It was floating on the main channel that leads to Takwa Bay and the outside bar.
“Marine staff from NIWA Lagos office saw it. We were able to move the barge aground. We are trying to arrange a tugboat.”
NIWA Lagos stated, “This is a serious offence, and as you can see, there are 26 loaded containers onboard the barge without any tugboat attached to it. We are still investigating to find out what happened. The name of the barge is Sekinatu, but where it was going we cannot say for now.”
Braimah said that the barge had been arrested and taken to Marina Lagos office of NIWA waiting for the owner, who would be made to face strict sanctions.
