Cross River Boat Crash Claims Eight Lives, Five Rescued

A tragic incident has occurred in the Ikang area of Bakassi Local Government, Cross River State, where eight individuals lost their lives following a speedboat collision. The unfortunate event, which also saw five passengers rescued, was confirmed by ASP Eitokpah Sunday, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, in a statement released on Tuesday, September 16, 2026.

According to ASP Sunday, the collision took place on September 6, 2026, at approximately 12:14 pm. The accident involved a W23 speedboat, which was transporting 13 Nigerian passengers from Ikang in Bakassi LGA, Cross River State, towards the Republic of Cameroon. This vessel collided with another W23 speedboat, equipped with a double Yamaha engine, within Cameroonian territorial waters, specifically near the Tikoro area.

Initial reports indicate that five passengers were successfully rescued by local fishermen operating in Cameroon. Regrettably, eight others were presumed drowned. Subsequently, the bodies of those feared lost were recovered and transported to Simon Beach, Ikang, located in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

ASP Sunday further stated that the Marine Police unit in Ikang has been instructed to ensure the proper identification of the recovered bodies by their respective families. Following identification, the bodies are to be deposited at the morgue. "The Marine Police, Ikang, have 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 read.

The Police Command is actively engaging with relevant authorities and the affected families as investigations continue to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding this maritime tragedy. "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.”