Police rescue two as speedboat sinks in Akwa Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

The Marine Police in Akwa Ibom State have rescued two people after a speedboat carrying goods sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as the blue W23 speedboat, marked “LET’S PRAY” and powered by a Yamaha outboard engine, was travelling from Oron towards Cameroon.

The boat’s driver, identified as Daniel, was reportedly attempting to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain accumulated water when waves generated by a passing boat destabilised the vessel.

The speedboat subsequently took in more water and sank, according to preliminary information from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

Daniel and his conductor, Kani, were rescued by the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was on patrol in the area when the incident occurred.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer for the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, said the prompt intervention of the marine team prevented the mishap from resulting in loss of life.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the marine personnel for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response.

Azare urged boat operators and passengers across the state to put safety first, ensure their vessels are seaworthy and avoid overloading.

He also stressed the need for adequate life jackets for everyone on board and urged operators to exercise caution when navigating waterways with heavy marine traffic.

The command said it would continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance along the state’s waterways in collaboration with other relevant security agencies to protect lives and property.

The police said the security situation along the waterways remained calm, while further necessary action was ongoing.