The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has rescued two persons who were involved in a boat mishap along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday.
John said that the incident occurred at about 1.30p.m on 17 Sept. 17 when a blue W23 speedboat christened: “LET’S PRAY” sank while travelling on the waterway.
She said that preliminary investigation showed that the boat driver attempted to adjust the boat’s seacock to allow accumulated water onboard to drain.
John said that in the process, waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, and caused it to take in water.
The police spokesperson said that the driver and the conductor were immediately rescued through the swift intervention of marine police personnel and surveillance patrol team on duty.
She said that the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, has commended the marine police personnel for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response to the issue.
She urged boat operators and passengers in the state to prioritise safety at all times by ensuring that their vessels were seaworthy.
“Avoid overloading, provide adequate life jackets for everyone onboard, and exercise extreme caution while navigating areas with heavy marine traffic,” she said.
