Two passengers were rescued by marine officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command after a speedboat sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The speedboat mishap occurred at about 1:30pm when a blue W23 speedboat marked “LET’S PRAY”, powered by a Yamaha outboard engine and carrying goods, was travelling from Oron towards Cameroon.

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The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Friday.

According to John, preliminary information indicated that the boat driver, identified only as Mr Daniel, attempted to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain accumulated water.

While the adjustment was being made, waves reportedly generated by a passing boat destabilised the speedboat. The vessel subsequently took in more water before sinking.

The driver and his conductor, Mr Kani, were rescued through the prompt intervention of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was already patrolling the waterways.

“The driver and his conductor, Mr Kani, were immediately rescued through the swift intervention of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was patrolling the waterways at the time of the incident,” the police statement said.

The successful rescue prevented what could have been a more serious incident on the busy waterway.

Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the marine officers for their vigilance, professionalism and rapid response.

Azare also urged boat operators and passengers across the state’s waterways to take safety precautions seriously.

The commissioner advised operators to ensure that their vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading and exercise additional caution when navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.

The incident highlights the risks faced by passengers and operators using waterways where commercial and passenger vessels operate alongside one another.

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The police command said safety should remain a priority for everyone using the waterways, particularly when vessels are carrying goods or travelling through areas with significant marine activity.