Boat mishap: 8 die, 38 survive

NATIONAL Inland Water Authority, NIWA, has confirmed the death of eight people in the boat mishap that occurred in Umumu Anam, Anambra State.

The passenger boat, according to NIWA, was travelling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state, carrying about 50 passengers on board when it rammed into a snag on the water channel before capsizing.

A statement signed by NIWA General Manager Corporate Affairs, Jibril Darda’u, disclosed that 8 persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued immediately.

NIWA statement read, “The sad report of a boat mishap at Umumu Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, 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 travelling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state.

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

“Preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with about 50 passengers on board. From the records, 8 persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued immediately.

“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.

“NIWA sincerely commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and prayed to God to rest their souls.

“In the meantime, we want to reassure the general public that NIWA is doing everything possible to ensure safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods across our inland waterways.”