Passenger ferry capsizes off Puerto Azul, dozens missing

A passenger ferry carrying approximately 250 people capsized near the main dock of Puerto Azul at 07:15 local time on 31 August. The vessel listed to starboard within minutes of leaving the harbor, rolled over, and sank in shallow water, trapping many passengers inside the hull. Rescue boats and coast‑guard helicopters arrived within an hour, recovering twelve bodies and confirming that thirty people remain unaccounted for.

Governor Solomon Adeyemi visited the scene later in the morning, condemning the tragedy and ordering an immediate investigation by the Marine Ministry. “We will determine whether safety regulations were breached and hold any responsible parties to account,” the Governor said. Emergency shelters have been set up at the municipal center, and the Federal Ministry of Transport has pledged additional resources to support the search and to review ferry licensing procedures.