By Bose Adelaja

Three persons were feared dead while three others were hospitalized, yesterday, in Bayeku area of Ikorodu in a boat mishap involving 21 passengers.

The dead  were said to be three females between the ages of 24 and 26 while three  survivors were hospitalized at two different private hospitals within the area.

The news of the mishap filtered into a prayer session organized in front of the Baale of Bayeku’s palace and this led to an abrupt end of the session as residents trooped enmasse to the river bank.

The incident occurred barely five minutes after the boat left Oke-Ira jetty for Bayeku  after its propeller got stuck  under the water leading to the mishap which occurred at about 12.40pm.

There were conflicting accounts on the cause of the incident as some people attributed it to over speeding while others claimed it was as a result of fishing nets which hooked the engine propeller.

Eye witnesses’ account said  prompt arrival of local divers and sympathizers prevented more deaths.

When Sunday Vanguard  arrived the scene, some  survivors had been taken to  hospital while others were seen thanking God for saving them.

However, three of them, who pleaded anonymity, claimed the boat was not in good condition at the time of the incident.