In Gabon, the Minister of Transport announced on March 9 the suspension of night voyages and an audit of all the boats dedicated to the transport of passengers, following the shipwreck off Nyonié of the ship Esther Miracle. Shipwreck which killed at least 3 people, Thursday March 9.
In Gabon, a final assessment of the sinking of the ship Esther Miracle given on 9 March 2023 by the government currently reports 3 deaths. The search continues to find 25 people who are still missing. One hundred and twenty-three passengers were nevertheless able to be rescued, 50 of whom are still hospitalized.
This is the second serious maritime accident recorded off Libreville in less than a month. But this time, there was death of man. The government has therefore taken a series of measures.
Night trips suspended until March 31
Transport Minister Brice Constant Paillat has announced that, for safety reasons, night voyages by all ships carrying passengers are suspended until March 31. In addition, an audit of all the boats dedicated to passenger transport will be carried out.
Brice Constant Paillat also reported the setting up of an information unit, at the seafarers’ health service, for families and victims.
I went to the bedside of the survivors of the shipwreck, last night off the #Gabonto express my deepest sympathy and support.
My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
My gratitude to the emergency services for their efficiency and dedication. pic.twitter.com/aXp5ducGbN— Ali Bongo Ondimba (@PresidentABO) March 9, 2023
Vessel Esther Miracle sank off Nyonié, south of Libreville, while commuting between the capital and Port-Gentil. The shipwreck would have occurred around 4 a.m., following a waterway whose origin is still unknown.
An administrative, nautical and technical commission of inquiry has been opened to determine the causes of the sinking, the Minister of Transport said last night.
Seized yesterday, the public prosecutor of Libreville, André Patrick Roponat, considered that it was necessary to determine whether theEsther Miracle had been the victim of damage or of aforce majeure beyond anyone’s control“.