The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on a horrific boat accident that killed five people, including famed Nollywood actor Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope.
On April 10, 2024, a boat carrying twelve actors and crew members was engaged in an accident on the Anam River in Anambra State.
The NSIB released findings from this event together with other aviation and marine reports during a press briefing on Friday.
The boat driver involved in the deadly tragedy was not certified, according to NSIB Director General Capt. Alex Badeh Jn. This raises serious questions regarding the safety procedures followed when operating the vessel.
The boat itself was also not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority, further compounding the irregularities surrounding the event.
According to the story, all of the passengers were thrown into the river when the speedboat overturned.
Five people, including Nollywood celebrities Mr. Precious Oforum, Mr. Joseph Anointing, and Ms. Abigail Frederick, were fatally injured while seven people were saved alive.
The incident was not immediately reported to the NSIB; instead, it was discovered via social media, which led to the Enugu Regional office of the agency opening an investigation.
The NSIB has sent investigators to the scene in reaction to these observations, and it is anticipated that their final report will include a thorough study.
The director said,
“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.”
The preliminary report stated that while five passengers on the boat were fatally injured, the remaining seven passengers and the driver survived the crash.
He said, “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. The rescue operation was not timely, and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”
In its safety recommendations, the bureau urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities (goods and passengers) within the national inland waterways are registered, adding the authority must ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in our inland waterways.
