An athlete with the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos State, identified as POPTI Emmanuel Dennis, has died in a boat accident while participating in a sailing competition on November 28, 2020.
The sad incident occurred while the former national athlete was test running his Laser boat at the club’s waterfront in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.
Emmanuel Agha, Vice Commodore of the club, who confirmed the incident, said the deceased’s boat capsized while other sailors took it that he was doing a usual drill by going underwater to bring his boat up.
According to Agha: “He sadly didn’t come up again.”
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.
“The Nigerian Navy High Command have been contacted on the sad incident,” he added.
Club Commodore, Navy Sailing Club, Tunde Giwa-Daramola, said the Navy Sailing Club is known for its high safety standards.
Giwa-Daramola said the athlete was committed to the sport and had contributed to the development of water sports in Nigeria by encouraging other athletes and officers.
He said: “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 until further notice.”
Ashom Luka, a fellow athlete and close friend, who joined the search party among several others at the time of the incident, was left inconsolable as he could not understand what had happened to Emmanuel.
Members and guests who had turned out for the Late Captain PPO Okpe Memorial Boat Race were taken aback at the incident.
The club’s flag is to be flown at half mast for three days in honour of the athlete who just returned from a tour of duty in Kachia.
Additionally, the Navy Sailing Club has set up a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident and how to avoid future occurrence.