By Ikeugonna Eleke
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that 8 passengers died in the boat mishap that occurred at Umumu Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The agency also said 38 persons were rescued, adding that 50 passengers were on board the ill-fated boat.
Flowing from the NIWA’s figure of 8 deaths and 38 survivors, it means that four persons are still missing.
In a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIWA, Jibril Darda’u, the incident which occurred in the morning hours of Friday involved a passenger boat travelling from Ida in Kogi State to Onitsha in Anambra State.
The statement noted that preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with about 50 passengers.
NIWA explained that upon receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from the marine department were deployed for rescue, recovery and proper investigation.
The Authority commiserated with families and friends of the deceased while assuring the public that it was doing everything possible to ensure safer Inland Waterways for the movement of people and goods across the country.
