Rita Enemuru, Reporting
AT least eight passengers have reportedly drowned after two speed boats collided in the waters around the Tikoro area near Cameroon, the Cross River State Police Command has confirmed.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of 6 September 2026, when a W23 speed boat carrying 13 Nigerian passengers from Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State towards the Republic of Cameroon collided with another W23 speed boat fitted with two Yamaha engines.
According to reports, the boat was travelling through Cameroonian territorial waters when the collision occurred.
Five passengers were reportedly rescued alive with the assistance of local fishermen in Cameroon, while eight others were feared drowned.
The bodies of those feared drowned were later recovered and brought to Simon Beach in Ikang, Bakassi LGA.
Police Confirm Recovery of Bodies
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the Marine Police had been directed to ensure the proper identification of the recovered bodies by their respective families.
He said the bodies would subsequently be deposited at the morgue as the police continued investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Command is also liaising with relevant authorities and affected families as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” Akata said.
He assured that the command would provide further information as more verified details become available.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has cast a pall over the Ikang community, where the victims are believed to have been travelling for business and family purposes. The route between Ikang and Cameroon is a busy commercial corridor, with speed boats serving as the primary means of transport for traders and travellers.
Local fishermen who assisted in the rescue operation described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the water following the collision.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety standards on the waterways, particularly along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, where speed boats often operate without adequate regulatory oversight.
Investigation Underway
The Marine Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. It was not immediately clear whether poor visibility, mechanical failure or human error contributed to the incident.
Authorities have urged families of the victims to come forward for identification purposes, while arrangements are being made to support the bereaved.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
