Marine police rescue two from boat mishap in Akwa Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has rescued two persons involved in a boat mishap along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

Timfon John, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday.

Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on 17 September when a blue W23 speedboat christened “LET’S PRAY” sank while travelling on the waterway.

She said preliminary investigation showed that the boat driver attempted to adjust the boat’s seacock to allow accumulated water onboard to drain.

Ms John said that in the process, waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, and caused it to take in water.

The police spokesperson said the driver and the conductor were immediately rescued through the swift intervention of marine police personnel and surveillance patrol team on duty.

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She said the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, commended the marine police personnel for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response to the issue.

She urged boat operators and passengers in the state to prioritise safety at all times by ensuring that their vessels were seaworthy.

“Avoid overloading, provide adequate life jackets for everyone onboard, and exercise extreme caution while navigating areas with heavy marine traffic,” she said.