Search for bodies of boat disaster continues - Police

Accra, Sept. 8, GNA - A team of navy and police personnel, fishermen and volunteers is continually searching for bodies of at least one dozen passengers whose boat capsized on the Volta Lake on Tuesday night upon hitting a tree stump.

Deputy Superintendent of Police John Adusei, Attebubu-Amantin Police Commander, told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that so far 14 families have reported that they cannot find their relatives who were on the boat.

He said the ill-fated boat began its journey from Abotoase in the Volta Region with 93 passengers made up of 37 males, 36 females and 20 children. DSP Adusei said the boat made six stopovers during which some passengers disembarked.

"There were 35 passengers on board when it made its final stopover before the accident occurred near Alonso Village where it hit a tree stump," he said.

"Some of the passengers were able to swim to safety. As at now, 14 families have reported to the police that they cannot find their relatives."

He said two bodies had been retrieved and sent to the Kete-Krachi Hospital.

"The search is continuing for more bodies," he added.