A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Ondo State drowned in a boat mishap yesterday in Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government.

It was learnt that the incident occurred when the speed boat conveying the corps member, identified as Juliet Okorocha, and other passengers from Lipate to Igbokoda caught fire.

The boat capsized as the passengers struggled to get out.

A witness blamed the accident on overloading, saying the boat was carrying more than its capacity.
The witness said it took the intervention of the Marine policemen and other security agents in the area to rescue seven of the eight passengers.

He, however, said efforts of the local divers and the policemen to find the corps member were fruitless.
Okorocha’s body, according to him, was recovered 24 hours later.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wole Ogodo, blamed the corps member’s death on her inability to swim.

Ogodo said help came on time for the victims, adding that the local divers tried to rescue the young lady but could not find her until her body was discovered the next day.

The police spokesman said the corps member’s body had been deposited at a mortuary in Okitipupa.
He said: “She was coming to Igbokoda town from the place she was serving in the riverine area.

“The speed boat that conveyed them caught fire on motion… I think they were eight on board, but she was the only one who lost her life because of her inability to swim and she was not rescued on time. It is very unfortunate.”

Effort to reach the state NYSC Coordinator on the development was unsuccessful.

Read more: Nigerian Eye