Anam Boat Accident: Boat Not Registered, Driver Not Certified, Says NSIB

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the boat accident that occurred at one nautical mile from Onono Jetty in Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State en route Asaba Jetty in Asaba, Delta State on April 10, 2024 at about 12:30h during which a popular actor, Jnr. Pope died along with some other passengers, stating under its initial findings that the boat driver was not certified and the fibre boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority.

In its Safety Recommendations, NSIB report said “The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) should “ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities (goods and passengers) within the national inland waterways are registered; Ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in our inland waterways; Increase the sensitization and enlightenment of boat operators on safe operations and security along the Anam river and our inland waterways and Provide training to local fishermen and boat association members as rescue divers so as to provide prompt rescue in the event of an occurrence in our inland waterways.”

According to the report, “On 10 April, 2024 an outboard engine fibre boat conveying 12 Nollywood movie production crew and one boat driver departed Onono Jetty in Anambra West Local Government Area with destination, Asaba Jetty. The outboard engine fibre boat on high speed crashed into a crossing

local fishing canoe. The speed boat capsized and all occupants were flung into the Anam River.

Five passengers were fatally injured and 7 were rescued alive. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) was not officially notified but got to know about the accident through social media.

Investigators from the Enugu Regional office of NSIB were dispatched to the accident site on 12 April, 2024.”

Other initial findings were that “The outboard engine fibre boat was carrying 12 passengers and one boat driver. There was only one person on the wooden fishing canoe. This rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required. The boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed. The only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat jumped into the river and escaped. The boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard were flung into Anam River.  Five passengers on the boat were fatally injured while the remaining seven passengers and the driver survived the crash. Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket.  The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator. The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors. The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. There was no manifest of passengers and persons onboard the boat. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”