The Krachi West Municipal Chief Executive, Prosper Addo, has disclosed that preliminary investigations into the recent Volta Lake boat disaster points to a leaking vessel, overloading and lack of life jackets as the causes of the disaster.
He has explained that the boat involved in the accident was unfit for travel and had exceeded its capacity by carrying passengers without life jackets, which according to the report collectively contributed to the scale of the incident.
“Investigations that are being carried out, only three issues have actually come up,” Mr Addo said. “One has to do with the boat actually not being fit because it’s leaking. The other one has to do with overloading. The boat has taken more than it can take. And then the third one has to do with all the people on board the boat not having life jackets.”
He noted that the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is expected to visit the bereaved families to express condolences and offer government support.
“The Vice President is actually coming here to commiserate with the families. She’s also coming with some relief items that will be given to both the bereaved families and those who actually survived the accident. So, we are currently in Okume Community,” he said.
The tragic accident, which occurred on October 11, claimed the lives of 16 people, including an 11-year-old boy who was reportedly operating the canoe.
15 persons die after boat capsizes on Volta Lake near Kete Krachi
