Navy athlete dies during memorial boat race in Lagos
AN athlete with the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club,
Ojo, identified as POPTI Emmanuel Dennis, has died in a boat accident while participating in a sailing competition at the weekend.
The incident occurred while the former national athlete was test- running his Laser boat at the club's waterfront in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos State.
Emmanuel was among participants of the late Captain PPO Okpe Memorial Boat Race when his boat went aground. It was gathered that onlookers initially thought he went underwater to bring up his boat, a usual practice by racers, until he never came up again.
Confusion then set in after a long wait, which prompted divers to immediately comb the water in search of him.
A colleague of the deceased, Ashom Luka, who joined the search party, was inconsolable as he could not understand what happened to Emmanuel. Club members and guests who had turned up for the race were taken aback and wondered what could have caused the accident.
Emmanuel Agha, Vice Commodore of the club, confirmed the incident. He said Dennis’ boat capsized while other sailors took it that he was doing a usual drill by going underwater to bring his boat up.
He further explained that divers on ground were immediately sent in on a search and rescue operation but they returned several hours later without him after combing underwater.
Club Commodore, Navy Sailing Club, Tunde GiwaDaramola, who also spoke on the incident, noted that the Navy Sailing Club is known for its high safety standards.
Daramola said the athlete was committed to the sport and had contributed to the development of watersports in Nigeria by encouraging other athletes and officers. "Our hearts go out to his family for this irreparable loss. POPTI Emmanuel popularly known as DDY was one of our best athletes in sailing. He had represented Nigeria at the All Africa Games and the Navy in several regattas internationally. He will be missed greatly by the club and young sailors that he had introduced to the sport. As a club, we are deeply saddened by this incident. All swimming and water activities are suspended till further notice"