The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued two occupants of a speedboat that sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when a blue W23 speedboat marked “LET’S PRAY” was travelling from Oron towards Cameroon with goods onboard.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Friday.
According to John, preliminary findings indicated that the boat’s driver, identified as Daniel, was trying to adjust the vessel’s seacock to release accumulated water when the situation worsened.
He explained that waves generated by another passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing more water to enter before it eventually sank.
Daniel and his conductor, identified as Kani, were rescued by officers of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, who were on patrol in the area.
Commenting on the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised the marine officers for their swift intervention.
He said, “Their prompt response helped prevent loss of life.”
Azare urged boat operators and passengers to take safety precautions seriously, including ensuring that vessels are in good condition, avoiding overloading and providing life jackets for everyone on board.
He also advised people using the waterways to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with heavy marine traffic.
The command said it would sustain patrols and surveillance across the state’s waterways while working with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
The incident comes amid recurring boat accidents in parts of the country. In August, several residents of Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State were feared dead after a boat carrying about 40 passengers, including women and children, reportedly capsized.
