Dennis Erezi
A preliminary report of the boat accident involving Junior Pope and 11 other members of a Nollywood movie production crew at the Anambra River has revealed that the boat driver was not certified to drive.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) further revealed that the fibre boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as the outboard engine fiber boat was carrying 12 passengers and one boat driver.
It was stated that the rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver who was on a high speed and collided with a crossing canoe after the occupant jumped out to sight the fast-approaching boat.
The bureau said the boat capsized and all persons onboard flung into Anam River, leaving five people fatally injured and seven people were rescued
The Director Transport and Investigation Abdullahi Babanya alongside the NSIB Director General of NSIB Captain Alex Badeh revealed this while releasing four investigation reports and 20 safety recommendations
The Bureau noted that the only passenger on board the boat wearing a life jacket came with it as the operator did not provide it to others.
It further stated that rescue operation was not timely as there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation in the rescue operations
The Bureau in its safety recommendations tasked NIWA to ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities (goods and passengers) are registered, adding that they must ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in the inland waterway.
They also tasked them to provide training to local fishermen and boat association members as rescue divers so as to provide prompt rescue in the event of an occurrence in the inland waterways.
