Navy Sailing Club athlete dies test running laser boat

TRAGEDY

struck the Navy Sailing Club at the weekend when it lost one of its sailors, POPTI Emmanuel Dennis, in an accident.

The incident occurred while the former national athlete was test running his Laser boat at the club’s waterfront in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos. When Dennis’ boat capsized, his teammates thought he was doing a usual drill by going underwater to bring up the boat, but they did not know he had drowned.

When he didn’t come up as expected, divers immediately went in on a search and rescue operation but they returned several hours later without him.

The club said yesterday that it has contacted the Nigerian Navy high command on the sad incident.

Reacting to the incident, Navy Sailing Club Commodore, Tunde GiwaDaramola, said the club is known for its high safety standards, adding that 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 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 until further notice.”

Ashom Luka, a fellow athlete and close friend, who joined the search party at the time of the incident, was left inconsolable.

Members and guests who had turned out for the Late Captain PPO Okpe Memorial Boat Race were taken aback at the incident.