Two rescued as Cameroon-bound boat sinks

Photo: Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued two persons after a Cameroon-bound boat sank along the Ibaka waterways in the Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 1:30 pm when a blue W23 speedboat with the inscription “LET’S PRAY,” conveying goods from Oron to Cameroon, flooded and sank.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, said preliminary investigations showed that while navigating the waterways, the boat driver, identified as Daniel, attempted to adjust the boat’s seacock to drain accumulated water onboard.

John explained that waves generated by a passing boat destabilised the vessel during the attempt, causing it to flood and sink.

The police spokesperson said the driver and his deckhand, identified as Kani, were rescued through the prompt intervention of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team patrolling the waterways at the time.

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She noted that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the marine police personnel for their vigilance and prompt response, which prevented any loss of life.

“Azare urged boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety, ensure vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading, provide adequate life jackets for everyone onboard, and exercise extreme caution while navigating areas with heavy marine traffic,” John said.

She added that the commissioner assured residents, travellers, and maritime operators that the police would continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance along the waterways in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

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