About eight passengers are feared drowned in separate boat mishaps in Cross River and Anambra states, with commuters and traders caught in the latest accidents involving waterways.

In Cross River State, eight passengers were feared drowned after two speedboats collided in the Ikang axis of Bakassi Local Council on September 6.

The incident occurred at about 12:14 p.m. as one of the boats, a W23 speedboat carrying 13 Nigerian passengers, travelled from Ikang towards the Republic of Cameroon through Cameroon territorial waters around the Tikoro area.

According to the Cross River State Police Command, the boat collided with another W23 speedboat fitted with two Yamaha engines.

Five passengers were rescued alive with the assistance of local fishermen in Cameroon, while eight others were feared drowned.

The bodies of the victims were subsequently brought to Simon Beach in Ikang.

Confirming the incident yesterday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the Marine Police in Ikang had been directed to ensure proper identification of the recovered bodies by their families.

He said the bodies would thereafter be deposited at a morgue, while the command continued to monitor developments and liaise with relevant authorities and the affected families.

In a separate incident, an unconfirmed number of commuters were feared dead following a boat mishap on the River Niger on Tuesday, September 15, while travelling from Asaba, Delta State, to Onitsha, Anambra State.

The passengers, including traders and a couple, reportedly resorted to using the boat after the Federal Ministry of Works closed the First Niger Bridge for major repairs about two weeks ago.

The number of passengers aboard the boat could not be immediately ascertained.

A couple identified as Mr and Mrs Victor, as well as three other victims said to be minors aged between 12 and 16, were reportedly among the casualties.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show bodies recovered and laid along the riverbank.

The closure of the bridge has caused difficulties for commuters and traders travelling between Asaba and Onitsha.

While some commuters reportedly walked along the pedestrian walkway of the nearly two-kilometre bridge, others use commercial motorcycles.

Those travelling with goods and vehicles often take longer alternative routes through the Second Niger Bridge before continuing to Onitsha.