Two brothers, Felix Dogbey, 18, and Christian Dogbey, 25, tragically drowned in an abandoned quarry pit at Live Donorkope in the Akatsi South Municipality on May 15. The incident occurred around 1600 hours when the siblings attempted to rescue their nine-year-old brother, Eric Dogbey, who had gotten into distress while swimming in the water-filled pit.
Community Mourns as Rescue Efforts Prove Fatal
The Dogbey brothers were part of a group of about nine relatives who had gathered in Live Donorkope for a funeral. Following the ceremonies, the family visited the abandoned quarry lake for recreation. It was during this outing that the younger brother, Eric, began to drown.
Felix Dogbey, a recent Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduate, bravely entered the water to save his younger sibling. He successfully rescued Eric but, caught in the treacherous depths of the quarry, began to struggle himself. Witnessing Felix’s peril, his older brother Christian, an employee at a food processing company, also entered the water in a desperate attempt to save Felix. Tragically, both brothers succumbed to the water, leaving the family and community devastated.
Quarry’s Hidden Dangers Revealed
The abandoned quarry pit, estimated by the Akatsi South Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Daniel Gidi, to be between 18 and 24 meters deep, presented a significant and unseen danger. Its depth and potential undertows made it a perilous location for recreational activities, especially without proper supervision or knowledge of the area.
Initial rescue efforts were hampered by the quarry’s conditions. Local divers worked on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, but were unsuccessful in recovering the bodies. The challenging visibility within the deep water posed a significant obstacle.
Naval Assistance and Recovery
In response to the escalating tragedy, officers from the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Sogakope Nutekpor were called to assist with the rescue operation. However, rescue efforts on Saturday evening had to be suspended due to poor visibility. The Navy personnel resumed operations on Sunday morning, when the bodies of Felix and Christian Dogbey were eventually sighted floating on the water’s surface.
The Akatsi Police Command was present at the scene to manage the situation. The bodies were subsequently conveyed to the St. Paul’s Hospital morgue for an autopsy. The deceased hailed from Akatsi Alagbokope but resided in Asikuma.
Broader Implications and Future Warnings
The incident has cast a pall of shock and grief over the Akatsi South Municipality. Officials, including the Municipal Chief Executive, Daniel Dagba, and NADMO representatives, visited the scene to assess the situation and offer support. The Assembly Member for the area, Moses Gadri, underscored the community’s sorrow.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by abandoned quarry sites, which often become attractive but hazardous spots for recreation. The deep, often murky waters can hide sudden drops and strong currents, making them particularly dangerous for swimmers, especially those unaware of the risks.
Authorities are expected to re-evaluate safety measures around such abandoned sites. Increased public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of swimming in unsecured water bodies, particularly quarries, are likely to be a key focus moving forward. The community will be watching to see what steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to ensure the safety of its residents, particularly its youth.
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