Nigerian authorities have confirmed five people killed following a passenger boat mishap in the commercial city of Lagos.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the boat capsized mid-sea, en route to Ikorodu from the Lagos Island, late Wednesday.

Five other passengers were rescued during response operation, the emergency management agency said.

The boat had the capacity of carrying 20 passengers, according to Adesina Tiamiyu, head of the rescue operation.

Tiamiyu said the remains of the dead were deposited at a local morgue, while responders continue to search for more victims.