The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued two people after a boat sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when a blue W23 speedboat marked “LET’S PRAY” sank while travelling from Oron to Cameroon with goods onboard.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo.
According to John, preliminary investigations showed that the boat driver, identified as Mr Daniel, was attempting to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain accumulated water when the incident occurred.
He said waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in more water before eventually sinking.
Daniel and his conductor, identified as Mr Kani, were rescued by the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was patrolling the waterways at the time.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the Marine Police personnel for their prompt response, saying their intervention helped prevent loss of life.
Azare urged boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by ensuring vessels are seaworthy, avoiding overloading and providing life jackets for everyone onboard.
He also advised maritime users to exercise caution when navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.
The police command said it would continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance along the state’s waterways in collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and property.
The incident comes after a separate boat accident in August in which many residents of Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State reportedly lost their lives.
According to a preliminary report from a resident of the community, the boat was carrying about 40 passengers, including men, women and children, when it capsized.
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