Police rescue two after boat sinks in Akwa Ibom

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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.

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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.

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This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on Friday in Uyo.

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John stated that 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.

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He said waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in more water before eventually sinking.

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The driver 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.

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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.

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Azare urged boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by ensuring vessels are seaworthy, avoiding overloading and providing life jackets for everyone onboard.

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He also advised maritime users to exercise caution when navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.

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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.

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Recall that in August, many residents of the Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State lost their lives in a boat accident.n

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The incident, according to a preliminary report from a resident of the town, occurred when a boat carrying about 40 passengers, including men, women and children, capsized.

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