8 Die, 38 Recused In Anambra Boat Mishap

Afimag.com –

The National Inland Waterways Authority has said that the boat mishap in Umumu Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State, was as a result of the wooden engine rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized.

The authority said among the 50 passengers on board, eight persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued.

This is contained in a statement by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIWA, Jibril Darda’u, on January 07, 2024.

Darda’u said the incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state.

According to him, the incident occurred between Thursday and Friday, the bodies of the victims, mainly women and children were recovered on Sunday morning.

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“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 a.m, is noted with regret.

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

It also added that the recovery efforts were still ongoing and the authority will provide detailed information to the public as soon as the field officers report back to the headquarters.