Two people have been rescued after a speedboat sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when a blue W23 speedboat marked “LET’S PRAY” was travelling from Oron to Cameroon with goods onboard.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the boat driver, identified as Daniel, was attempting to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain accumulated water when the situation occurred.
John explained that waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in more water before it eventually sank.
The driver and his conductor, identified as Kani, were rescued by the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was on patrol in the area at the time.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the marine police officers for responding promptly and preventing possible loss of life.
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Azare urged boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by ensuring that vessels are seaworthy, avoiding overloading and providing life jackets for everyone onboard.
He also advised people using the waterways to exercise caution, particularly in areas with heavy marine traffic.
The police command said it would continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance across the state’s waterways in collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and property.
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