Lagos Boat Survivors Share Their Near-Death Experience (photos)

Few days ago, a boat accident involving schoolchildren in Ojo, Lagos, left at least 6 people dead. 18-year-old Mariam Bilikis, left, and 15-year-old Ramota Ajangboju, right, were among the survivors. They shared their near-death experience and how they survived the mishap with Punch;

“We were riding in a canoe that used a paddle. We saw a boat coming towards us on top speed. But we first thought it would turn and avoid us. When it did not, we started to scream and wave to attract the attention of the person inside, but it did not slow down. 

“We don’t know whether the man in it was asleep or not. Just before it hit us, I dived out of its way and fell in the water, while my friend, Ramota, also jumped into the water after me. 

“The boat crushed those who could not jump on time. I could swim a little so I stayed afloat. But the boat was crushed along with those still inside it. I later saw some of my friends in a heap inside the boat wreckage. They were already dead even before they sank. I saw some heads, arms, legs broken. I even saw someone’s face completely destroyed," Mariam said. 

Ramota,15, also shared her experience;

“I cannot swim. I thought to myself. ‘I am going to die.’ But I saw Mariam nearby trying to swim and I quickly grabbed her clothes and she continued to swim, carrying me with her. 

“I looked at what was left of the boat and it was completely broken with bodies of my friends sinking.”

It was learned that after a while, Mariam grew tired and could no longer swim. Luckily for the friends, it was at that point that other friends who were still in the water lent them a helping hand and they all swam ashore.”