8 die, 5 rescued as boats collide in Cameroon waters

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Eight Nigerians have died while five others were rescued after two speedboats collided in Cameroon territorial waters, the Cross River State Police Command has confirmed.

The accident occurred on September 6, 2026, at about 12:14 p.m. around the Tikoro area of Cameroon.

The ill-fated W23 speedboat was carrying 13 Nigerian passengers from Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State to Cameroon when it collided with another W23 speedboat fitted with two Yamaha engines.

According to preliminary information released by the police, five of the passengers were rescued alive with the assistance of local fishermen in Cameroon, while eight others were feared drowned.

The bodies of the eight victims were subsequently recovered and brought back to Simon Beach, Ikang, in Bakassi Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the Marine Police in Ikang had been directed to ensure proper identification of the recovered bodies by their families before they are deposited at the morgue.

“The Marine Police, Ikang, has been directed to ensure that the recovered bodies are properly identified by their respective families and deposited at the morgue, while further developments are being followed up,” the statement said.

The command said it was also liaising with relevant authorities and the affected families to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

“The Command is also liaising with relevant authorities and affected families as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Police Command will provide further information as soon as verified details become available,” Eitokpah said.