Tragedy struck yesterday in Lagos State when a commercial boat which carried some traders, capsized around Apapa area, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

Sources disclosed that at least eight people were drowned as the boat, which was coming from Sagbokoji Village and heading towards Lagoon area of Apapa, developed a fault, although operators of the boat assured the passengers they would fix it.

Apprehension, however, set in when it became apparent that the boat operators could not rectify the problem. Some of the panic stricken passengers, who could swim, reportedly plunged into the river before the boat reportedly capsized at about 8a.m.

Some of the survivors were rescued by fishermen around the vicinity of the incident, while others were reported to have drowned before anybody could rescue them.

However, when the Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damasus Ozoani was contacted, he confirmed the incident, stating that information at his disposal had it that two persons were suspected drowned.

He said rescue operation by operatives of the Marine Police was still on. As at 4.30pm, bodies of some of the victims were yet to be recovered.