POLICE RESCUE TWO AFTER BOAT CAPSIZES IN AKWA IBOM
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By:Aminat Tajudeen
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued two people after a boat sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when a blue W23 speedboat marked “LET’S PRAY” sank while travelling from Oron to Cameroon with goods onboard.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo.
John said preliminary investigations revealed that the boat operator, identified as Mr Daniel, was attempting to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain accumulated water when the incident occurred.
According to the police, waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in more water before eventually sinking.
The boat driver and his conductor, identified as Mr Kani, were rescued by the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was conducting patrols along the waterways at the time.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the marine police personnel for their swift response, noting that their intervention helped avert loss of life.
Azare urged boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by ensuring that vessels are seaworthy, avoiding overloading and providing life jackets for all passengers.
He also advised users of the waterways to exercise caution, particularly in areas with heavy marine traffic.
The command said it would continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance along the state’s waterways in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
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