A search party is wrapping up efforts toward finding possible survivors at Ada East following a boat disaster that resulted in the death of five persons.

The National Disaster Organisation (NADMO) has dispatched a team from its headquarters to help with search operations and assist victims with relief items.

The accident occurred when the affected persons were travelling from Azizanya to Azizakope for a funeral.

It is unclear how many people were on the boat but at least five bodies have been retrieved.

Meanwhile, the owner of the boat has been arrested.

Gabriel Ajigodi is currently in custody at the Ada Foah Police Station, assisting the police with investigations over Saturday’s disaster.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Monday, the Director of Communications of NADMO says, George Ayisi noted that a preliminary investigation on the subject points to negligence on the part of the owner.

“If the boat has the capacity of taking 40, 45 and you load over 90, 95 definitely you are being reckless and irresponsible,” he said.

He, however, noted the weather may be a contributory factor to the boat capsizing.

He however noted that a number of survivors have been rescued, treated and some discharged.

 “They’ve not abandoned search yet…From the reports so far, those who were in the water were rescued apart from the five that lost their lives. But they’re still conducting a search because there were a lot of children on board the boat,” he added.