Eight dead, 38 rescued in Anambra boat mishap

Eight persons have died in a boat accident that occurred in Anambra state.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed the incident, saying the boat mishap occured at Umumu Anam, Anambra west LGA.

Jibril Darda’u, NIWA general manager of corporate affairs, in a statement, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate”.

“The authority sincerely commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and prayed to God to grant rest to their souls,” he said.

He said preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with at least 50 passengers on board.

“From the records, eight persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued immediately,” he said.

“The sad incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi to Onitsha in Anambra.

“Upon the receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from the Marine Department were deployed for rescue, recovery and proper investigation.

“The recovery efforts are ongoing and the authority will provide detailed information to the public as soon as the field officers report back to the headquarters.”

Darda’u assured the public of NIWA’s commitment and determination to ensure safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods.

Several cases of boat accidents were recorded in different parts of the country in 2023.

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In December, two people were killed in a boat mishap that occurred in Gamadio LGA of Adamawa state.

In November, about ten persons were killed in another boat mishap that occurred in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

In October, over 20 bodies were recovered after a boat carrying passengers from Mayo-Renewo market to Karim Lamido area of Taraba state capsized.

In September, 15 people were killed after a boat capsized in Njuwe Lake in Yola south LGA of Adamawa.