7 Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Boat Capsizes on Black Volta River

7 Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Boat Capsizes on Black Volta River During Morning Jog

A tragic accident on the Black Volta River has left the town of Dikpe in shock, as seven students from Lawra Senior High School (SHS) are feared dead after their boat capsized while crossing the river into Burkina Faso.

The heartbreaking incident occurred early in the morning during what was meant to be a routine jogging exercise by the students. As part of their physical training, the group attempted to cross the river using a boat. However, mid-journey, the boat overturned suddenly, throwing all passengers into the fast-moving river.

So far, three students have been rescued alive, but hopes are fading for the seven still missing, as local rescue teams continue an intensive search operation. Divers have been deployed, and both local authorities and community members have joined efforts to locate the missing students.

Rescue Efforts Underway but Challenged by Strong Currents
The rescue operation, led by emergency responders and supported by volunteers from surrounding communities, has been hampered by the Black Volta’s strong and unpredictable currents. These conditions have made it difficult for divers to maintain visibility and control in the water, heightening fears that the missing students may have drowned.

Authorities are urging calm while the search continues. The names of the missing students have not yet been released, pending communication with their families.

Community in Mourning
The incident has cast a shadow over Lawra SHS and the entire Upper West Region, with parents, school officials, and community leaders expressing deep concern and sorrow. What began as a day of routine exercise turned into a devastating tragedy that no one anticipated.

Local leaders are calling for improved safety measures for school activities involving physical exercise or water travel, especially in areas near major rivers like the Black Volta.

Authorities to Investigate Incident
In the wake of the accident, education and safety officials are expected to launch an investigation to determine how and why students were allowed to cross the river without adequate safety precautions, such as life jackets or supervision from trained personnel.

Conclusion
As search operations continue, Ghana mourns the potential loss of seven young lives filled with promise. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of student safety during extracurricular activities, particularly when it involves navigating dangerous terrain like rivers.

The nation waits in hope for a miracle as rescue teams persist in their efforts to find the missing students and bring closure to their families and the grieving Lawra SHS community.