A boat accident in Anambra state claimed the lives of eight people.
The boat mishap occurred at Umumu Anam, Anambra West LGA, according to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
The incident was described as “sad and unfortunate” by Jibril Darda’u, NIWA general manager of corporate affairs, in a statement.
He said:
“The authority sincerely commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and prayed to God to grant rest to their souls.”
He said preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with at least 50 passengers on board.
“From the records, eight persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued immediately,” he said.
“The sad incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi to Onitsha in Anambra.
“Upon the receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from the Marine Department were deployed for rescue, recovery and proper investigation.
“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.”
Darda’u assured the public of NIWA’s commitment and determination to make inland waterways safer for people and goods movement.