[ 2017-10-07 ]

Disaster! One dead, 5 others feared dead as canoe capsizes on River Offin
Five persons, including an eight-month-old baby
are feared dead in the Offin River at Amadaa in
the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region
where a canoe carrying some locals has capsized.

First responders managed to save seven of the 13
people who were in the canoe that capsized after
it reportedly hit a stump in the river Saturday
morning.


After a nine-hour search, one dead body has been
retrieved from the river. Her name was given as
Ramatu in her 50s. Her body has been deposited at
the Nkawie Government Hospital for autopsy.

An 80-year-old woman, who was among those rescued,
and was in critical condition, was rushed to the
Nkawie Government Hospital for treatment.

Assembly Member for Nkrumah-Betinko Electoral
Area, Martin Prempeh, told 3News that he got a
phone call about the incident around 8:00am and
quickly rushed to the scene where the traditional
authorities poured libation for rescuers to go
into the water to search for survivors.

According to Mr Prempeh, the occupants of the
canoe were on their way to their farms to fetch
some foodstuffs when the incident happened.
“They were crossing the river to the other end
to bring foodstuffs from their farm and the boat
got sink. They were 13 on the boat and they were
able to rescue 7 people,” he told 3News
Saturday.

The Offin River has overflown following
Friday’s downpour in the area. Residents have
meanwhile blamed the incident on uncovered pits
left by some illegal miners.

But the divers say they will continue with the
search when the water level becomes normal.

Source - 3news.com

... go Back