The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has noted with regret the boat mishap at Umumu Anam, Anambra West Local Council, which claimed the lives of eight persons, last week.
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Jibril Darda’u, said eight persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment.
In a statement, yesterday, he said recovery efforts were ongoing, adding: “The sad report of a boat mishap at Umumu Anam, Anambra West Local Council, between Thursday, January 4 and Friday, 5, at about 7:00 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 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.
“The authority will provide detailed information to the public as soon as field officers report back to the headquarters. The authority sincerely commiserates with friends and families of the deceased and prays to God to rest their souls.”
Darda’u reassured the public that NIWA is doing everything possible to ensure safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods.