TheCable

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has condoled with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and families of victims of the boat mishap in Anambra state.

On Wednesday, the AGN confirmed the death of Junior Pope Odowodo, a Nollywood actor, and three other persons in a boat mishap as they sailed from a movie set.

The actors were said to have drowned in the River Niger after their boat capsized.

Seven persons have been rescued, while three are still missing.

Dakio Horsfall, NIWA acting general-manager (marine), on Thursday said the accident was caused by a collision between two boats sailing at full pelt.

“Preliminary reports indicated that the accident resulted from a frontal collision between the two boats due to over speeding. Sadly, two people died at the scene of the accident, two more bodies were recovered 24 hours later off-site, while 7 persons were rescued,” NAN quoted Horsfall as saying.

“Consequently, the authority commiserates with the families of the deceased persons and pray that the good lord will repose the souls of the departed.

“Also, the marine department of NIWA has activated its accident investigation mechanism with a view to determining the cause(s) of the accident and make appropriate recommendations.”

He harped on the need for all users of the inland waterways to adhere to all established safety protocols, including the completion of passenger manifest at the loading and offloading points, and use of life jackets.

“The usage of life jackets on the waterways is mandatory, avoiding over speeding, and yielding to weather dictates, at all times,” Horsfall added.

“Nevertheless, NIWA hereby assures all Nigerians of its continuous efforts aimed at promoting safer inland waterways for the use of all.”

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Editor’s note: The image used for this story was a file photo and is only used here for illustration.