The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the tragic boat accident in Anambra involving Nollywood actors, disclosing that the boat driver was uncertified. This was announced during a press briefing on Friday, where the NSIB also released four other final and preliminary reports.
NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh, presented the findings, including two final reports on aviation incidents, one preliminary report on an aviation incident, and a preliminary report on the marine accident, accompanied by 20 safety recommendations. The accident occurred on April 10, 2024, when a boat carrying 12 actors and crew members capsized, resulting in the death of five passengers, including popular Nollywood actor Paul Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope.
According to the Director of Transport Investigation, the speedboat capsized in the Anam River after colliding with a slower-moving wooden fishing canoe, which led to all occupants being thrown into the water. The preliminary report indicated that the boat driver was distracted by the rowdy passengers and failed to navigate properly.
Initial findings revealed that the boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority and was operating without proper certification. Of the 13 people on board, only one passenger was wearing a life jacket, which they brought themselves. The rescue operation was delayed, and there were no trained divers available to assist.
The NSIB, which learned about the accident via social media, dispatched investigators from its Enugu Regional office on April 12, 2024. The bureau's safety recommendations emphasized the need for the National Inland Waterways Authority to enforce registration and safety measures for all commercial boats operating within national inland waterways.
The accident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety of passengers in Nigeria's inland waterways.
