Anambra boat mishap caused by blockage on water channel – NIWA
The National Inland Waterways Authority has reported that the boat mishap at Umumu Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State was caused by the wooden engine colliding with an obstacle in the water channel, leading to capsizing.
The authority revealed that approximately 50 passengers were on board during the incident. Eight individuals were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were promptly rescued. This information was conveyed in a press statement issued by Jibril Darda’u, the General Manager of Corporate Affairs at NIWA, on Sunday.
According to Darda’u, the accident involved a passenger boat traveling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state. Although the incident occurred between Thursday and Friday, the bodies of the victims, predominantly women and children, were recovered on Sunday morning.
The statement stated, “The sad report of a boat accident at Umumu Anam, Anambra West LGA, Anambra State between Thursday the 4th and Friday the 5th of January, 2024, at about 7 am, is noted with regrets. The authority is aware that the sad incident involved a passenger boat traveling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state.”
Upon receiving the report, the marine department deployed relevant personnel for rescue, recovery, and investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the wooden engine boat collided with an obstacle in the water channel, resulting in the capsizing of the boat with about 50 passengers on board. Eight individuals were confirmed dead, and 38 were rescued immediately.
The statement assured ongoing recovery efforts, with detailed information to be provided once field officers report back to headquarters. NIWA expressed sincere condolences to the friends and families of the deceased, offering prayers for their souls. The authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods across the nation’s water routes.
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