The Nationwide Inland Waterways Authority has stated that the boat accident at Umumu Anam in Anambra West Native Authorities Space of Anambra State occurred as a result of the wood engine rammed right into a snag on the water channel and capsized.
The authority disclosed that about 50 passengers had been on board, including that eight individuals had been confirmed lifeless on the scene, whereas 38 others had been rescued instantly.
This was disclosed in a press assertion signed by the Basic Supervisor, Company Affairs, NIWA, Jibril Darda’u, on Sunday.
Darda’u stated the incident concerned a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state.
Though he stated the incident occurred between Thursday and Friday, the our bodies of the victims, primarily girls and kids had been recovered on Sunday morning.
The assertion learn, “The unhappy report of a ship accident at Umumu Anam, Anambra West LGA, Anambra State between Thursday the 4th and Friday the fifth of January, 2024 at about 7 am, is famous with regrets.
“The authority is conscious that the unhappy incident concerned a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state.
“Upon the receipt of the unhappy report, related personnel from the marine division had been deployed for rescue, restoration, and correct investigation.
“Preliminary experiences indicated that the wood engine boat rammed right into a snag on the water channel and capsized with about 50 passengers on board. From the information, eight individuals had been confirmed lifeless on the scene, whereas 38 others had been rescued instantly.”
It additionally added that the restoration efforts had been nonetheless ongoing and the authority will present detailed info to the general public as quickly as the sector officers report again to the headquarters.
“The authority sincerely commiserates with the chums and households of the deceased and prayed to God to relaxation their souls.
“Within the meantime, we need to reassure most of the people that NIWA is doing every part potential to make sure safer inland waterways for the motion of individuals and items throughout our inland waterways,” the assertion added.