Three students from Yundum Barracks Upper Basic School have reportedly been confirmed dead following a navy boat transporting them to Janjabureh for excursion, capsized. The incident was confirmed by the deputy army spokesperson Captain Malick Sanyang. 

“I can confirm that the incident happened on Saturday at around 10am. When the students arrived at Laminkoto – Janjanbureh crossing point, they found that the ferry was not in service.” Sanyang corroborated.

According to reliable reports,  a total of 136 students from the said school were on expedition in Janjanbureh and while relishing their tour, they decided to board a Navy Boat which they said was not in a very good condition, from Laminkoto Navy station heading to Janjabureh in a group of ten. The boat later drowned resulting in the sudden death of three students namely; Sanna Kijera, Musa B Ceesay and Abubacarr Jaiteh.

“So as usual and consistent with the Navy’s activities and mandate along all the major crossing points on River Gambia, the students were ferried on a Navy boat in groups of ten but unfortunately during one of the trips, the boat capsized resulting in the drowning of 3 students,” Captain Sanyang disclosed.

He further added that when the army commander received the unfortunate news, he immediately contacted the Farafenni military barracks for reinforcement, and a rescue operation was mounted which was able to save 7 out of the 10 students.

“The rescue continued until around 9pm on Saturday during which time they recovered two bodies [Musa B Ceesay, (Grade 7) and Abubacarr Jaiteh, (Grade 8). A third body, believed to be that of Sanna Kejira, was recovered yesterday morning,” he said.

 

By Fatoumatta Samateh