Military Task Force Imposes Night Sailing Ban, Issues Safety Advisory for Waterways

The Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has issued a strict safety advisory and restricted operating hours for inland waterways following the onset of the rainy season.

The directive, announced on Tuesday by the Maritime Component of the task force, prohibits all night sailing, restricting marine operations to between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Officials stated that this measure is necessary to bolster security and reduce the heightened risk of accidents caused by rising water levels, stronger currents, and increased turbulence.

Maritime Component Commander, Lieutenant Commander Dusse Zakari, emphasized that the current environmental conditions pose a significant danger to riverine travel. To mitigate these risks, the task force has mandated several safety requirements for all boat operators and passengers:

Mandatory Life Jackets: All passengers and crew must wear life jackets at all times.

Essential Safety Equipment: Boats must carry at least one functional life buoy, along with emergency tools such as torchlights, spare spark plugs, and tarpaulins.

Capacity Limits: Strict prohibition of boat overloading beyond approved limits.

Registration and Identification: Operators must be registered with their respective unions and carry valid identification at all times.

The military also cautioned against the pollution of waterways with waste and non-biodegradable materials. Maritime unions have been tasked with enforcing these regulations to ensure compliance among their members.

Residents in riverine communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or criminal activity to security agencies to help maintain order and safety across the waterways.