Three people have been confirmed dead, while three others, including an infant, remain missing after a canoe carrying mourners capsized on the River Oti at Salnaayili in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, July 7, as eight people including five women, one man, and two infants were returning home from a funeral and attempted to cross the river.
Former Assembly Member for the Salnaayili Electoral Area, Kofi Samuel, told the media that two of the women were carrying infants when the canoe overturned in the middle of the river.
He said none of the passengers was wearing a life jacket.
According to him, one woman managed to swim to safety with her baby, while the remaining six occupants were swept away by the strong current.
So far, rescue teams have recovered three bodies, with search efforts continuing for the three missing persons, including the infant.
Local fishermen have joined the operation to help locate the victims.
The incident has left the Salnaayili community in mourning as authorities continue recovery efforts and investigate the cause of the accident.
