Union To Sanction Boat Drivers That Violate Maritime Laws 

The leadership of Bonny Maritime Transport Association (BMTA) says it will henceforth sanction any boat driver that disobeys maritime laws.
The union also insisted that no passenger boat would be allowed to ply or leave Bonny/Nembe jetty after 5pm everyday.
The union said plying the Bonny/Nembe waterways at night hours posed danger to the lives of passengers following the increasing rate of sea pirates’ attacks along the route.
BMTA Marine Safety Officer, Comrade Johnbull Jumbo, disclosed this in an interview with The Tide while reacting to a foiled sea attack on a nine-passenger boat along the route.
“Any driver or boat operator who disobeys or violates the BMTA maritime laws would be sanctioned”, he warned.
Jumbo appealed to boat owners and drivers to adhere strictly to the maritime laws in order to save the lives of passengers from sea robbers.
The mariner regretted that over 15 persons had been killed by sea robbers along the route, with property valued at millions of naira carted away.
The safety officer noted that act of piracy was more prevalent in the night hours and dry seasons, and warned passengers against boarding boat at late hours.
Comrade Jumbo lauded the security agents for foiling the kidnap attempt and for rescuing the passengers.
He, however, urged the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police to intensify surveillances on Bonny waterways and other riverine communities in the state.

By: Chinedu Wosu