N/R: Three killed, baby among three missing after canoe capsizes on River Oti at Salnaayili

Three people have been confirmed dead and three others, including a baby, are missing after a canoe carrying mourners capsized on the River Oti at Salnaayili in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region.

The tragedy occurred on Tuesday, July 7, when eight people returning from a funeral attempted to cross the river in a canoe. The passengers included five women, one man and two babies.

Speaking to Citi News, former Assembly Member for the Salnaayili Electoral Area, Kofi Samuel, said two of the women had babies with them when the canoe overturned midway through the crossing. He noted that none of the occupants was wearing a life jacket.

According to him, one of the women managed to swim to safety with her baby, while the remaining six passengers were swept into the river.

Search and rescue teams have since recovered three bodies, while three other victims, including a baby, remain missing.

Local fishermen have joined the rescue operation as efforts continue to locate the missing persons.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the search and recovery operation progresses.