Eight Nigerians Killed As Two Speedboats Collide In Cameroon Waters Near Cross River

Eight Nigerians have died after two speedboats collided in Cameroonian territorial waters near the Tikoro area, along the water route linking Cross River State to Cameroon.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday.

According to the command, the crash occurred at about 12:14 p.m. on September 6, 2026, when a W23 speedboat conveying 13 Nigerian passengers from Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State to Cameroon collided with another W23 speedboat powered by two Yamaha engines.

The impact left eight passengers missing and feared drowned, while five others survived the accident.

The police said local fishermen in Cameroon intervened and rescued the five survivors following the collision.

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

Following the recovery, the command directed the Marine Police in Ikang to facilitate the proper identification of the deceased by their relatives and ensure that the bodies are deposited at a morgue.

The police said the directive was part of efforts to complete the identification and documentation of the victims.

The command added that it was collaborating with relevant authorities and the affected families to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

It said investigations and other follow-up activities were ongoing, promising to provide further details as information about the incident is verified.