The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has highlighted the efficiency of its Search and Rescue (SAR) operations following a fatal accident on Saturday, August 23, when a Toyota Camry saloon car plunged into the Lagos Lagoon from the 3rd Mainland Bridge.
In a statement issued by LASWA’s Public Affairs Unit on Wednesday, August 27, the agency confirmed that its SAR team was activated immediately after receiving a distress call.
Responders arrived at the scene alongside emergency partners, including the Marine Police, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
According to LASWA, the first victim, a female identified as Aisha, aged between 25 and 35, was swiftly recovered by local divers working in coordination with the SAR team and handed over to her family.
An extended search later confirmed a second passenger, 31-year-old Chado Daniel Danladi, a colleague of the first victim and resident of Ikeja, whose body was also retrieved and released to relatives.
The authority commended the collaboration with other state agencies and the critical role played by local fishermen, describing the operation as “an example of how prompt action and community support can save time and bring closure in waterway emergencies.”
LASWA reiterated its commitment to safety and rapid response, urging the public to report any waterway incidents through its emergency numbers: 0700 CALL LASWA and 08090129777, or via its social media handles @talktolaswa.
