By Abdullahi Inuwa
Two persons were rescued after a speedboat conveying goods sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while the blue W23 speedboat, marked “LET’S PRAY” and powered by a Yamaha outboard engine, was travelling from Oron towards Cameroon.
According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, preliminary findings indicated that trouble started when the boat’s driver, identified as Mr. Daniel, attempted to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain water that had accumulated inside the boat.
The situation reportedly became worse when waves generated by another passing boat destabilised the speedboat, causing it to take in more water before eventually sinking.
Daniel and his conductor, identified as Mr. Kani, were rescued by the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was on patrol along the waterways when the incident occurred.
The swift response of the Marine Police prevented the boat mishap from turning into a fatal tragedy.
Commending the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, mnipr, praised the team for responding promptly to the emergency.
The Commissioner also urged boat operators and passengers across the state to make safety a priority whenever travelling on the waterways.
He advised operators to ensure that their vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading and provide functional life jackets for every person onboard. He equally cautioned boat operators to exercise maximum care when navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.
The Police Command said it would continue to intensify patrols and surveillance along Akwa Ibom waterways in collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect lives and property.
The Command assured residents, travellers and maritime operators that security operations along the waterways remain active, adding that the situation remains calm while necessary follow-up action continues.
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