Akwa Ibom: Two rescued in speedboat mishap along Ibaka waterways

Two passengers have been rescued by marine officers of the Akwa Ibom State police command in the boat mishap along the Ibaka waterways, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 17th September, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m., when a blue W23 speedboat with the inscription “LET’S PRAY,” powered by a Yamaha outboard engine, conveying goods, was travelling from Oron towards Cameroon.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John who disclosed this in a statement on Friday explained that preliminary information showed that while navigating the Ibaka waterways, the boat driver, Mr Daniel, attempted to adjust the boat’s seacock to allow accumulated water onboard to drain.

She noted that during the process, waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in water and eventually sink.

The statement partly read, ”The driver and his conductor, Mr Kani, were immediately rescued through the swift intervention of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was patrolling the waterways at the time of the incident.”

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, while commending the Marine Police personnel for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response urged boat operators and passengers using the State’s waterways to prioritise safety at all times, ensure that vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading while navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.