Eight drown as speed boats collide in Cross River

At least eight passengers have reportedly drowned after two speed boats collided in the waters around Tikoro area near Cameroon.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 6, 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.

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.