Leaking, overloaded boat caused Volta lake tragedy – Krachi West MCE
The Municipal Chief Executive for Krachi West, Prosper Addo, has revealed that preliminary investigations into the recent Volta Lake boat disaster point to a leaking vessel, overloading, and the absence of life jackets as the main causes of the tragedy.
He explained that the boat involved in the accident was found to be unfit for travel, had exceeded its capacity, and carried passengers without life jackets — factors that 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 also disclosed that Vice President Professor Naana Jane 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.
