The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the tragic boat accident on the Anam River that claimed the life of actor Junior Pope and four others on April 10.
The report, presented by NSIB Director Cpt. Alex Baden on May 24, revealed that the bureau first learned of the incident through social media rather than official channels.
Investigations found that the boat’s driver lacked proper certification. The report further explained that the boat was operating at high speed when it collided with a slower-moving wooden fishing canoe, causing the boat to capsize and eject all passengers into the river.
The sole occupant of the canoe avoided the collision by jumping into the water.
“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 director said.
Contradicting the movie producer’s claims, the NSIB reported that only one boat passenger had a life jacket, which they had brought themselves, and this person was among the survivors.
The report also highlighted the absence of a passenger manifest and the lack of timely rescue operations, including the absence of trained divers.
“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. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation,” the report added.
The NSIB’s safety recommendations called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to ensure the registration of all boats engaged in commercial transport on national inland waterways.
Furthermore, the NSIB emphasized the need for NIWA to implement and enforce robust safety protocols to prevent future tragedies on the waterways.