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Individuals Unaccounted For in Côte d'Ivoire Following Hippo-Induced Canoe Capsize in a River

Advised by the minister of solidarity, eleven individuals have disappeared near southwestern Ivory Coast following a canoe overturning in the Sassandra River, due to a hippopotamus incident, as reported on Saturday.

More than a dozen individuals have vanished in Côte d'Ivoire following a hippo-induced capsize of a...
More than a dozen individuals have vanished in Côte d'Ivoire following a hippo-induced capsize of a canoe in a river.

Individuals Unaccounted For in Côte d'Ivoire Following Hippo-Induced Canoe Capsize in a River

In the tragic events that unfolded in April 2023, Côte d'Ivoire has experienced two separate canoe accidents, each resulting in multiple casualties. However, contrary to some reports, the accidents were not caused by hippos, as was the case near Bouaflé.

The first incident occurred near the city of Bouaflé early on Friday morning, but it is not related to the ongoing search for the missing individuals in the Sassandra River. Eleven people, including women, girls, and infants, are still missing in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. The search for the missing continues, but as of yet, the results do not provide information about who is coordinating the search.

On the other hand, the April 2023 canoe accident near Abidjan, involving children and teenagers, was indeed caused by a hippo. Unfortunately, eleven individuals lost their lives in this incident, while three managed to survive.

Overloading of canoes has been a contributing factor in past canoe accidents in Côte d'Ivoire. This practice, when used as passenger transport, often leads to accidents like the ones experienced in April.

It is important to note that while the April 2023 canoe accident near Abidjan was not caused by a hippo, according to a 2022 study by Ivorian scientists, hippos are the most commonly cited animal species causing deaths or injuries in Côte d'Ivoire. Approximately 500 hippos live in Côte d'Ivoire, residing in several rivers, particularly the Sassandra and Bandama.

The Minister of Solidarity, Miss Belmonde Dogo, announced these tragic events on Saturday. While hope remains for finding survivors in both incidents, the memory of those lost will not be forgotten.

In the face of these tragedies, it is crucial to address the issues contributing to these accidents and work towards ensuring the safety of all Côte d'Ivoire's citizens.

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