The Preliminary report by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) of the boat accident involving Jnr Pope and 11 other nollywood movie production crew at the Anambra river has revealed that the boat driver was not certified to drive.
The Bureau further revealed that the fibre boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as the outboard engine fibre boat was carrying 12 passengers and one boat driver.
It was stated that the rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required adding that the boat which was on high speed, however, collided with a crossing Canoe after the occupant jumped out on sighting the fast approaching boat.
The preliminary report further added that the boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard flung into Anambra River, leaving 5 people fatally injured and 7 people rescued.
The Director, Air and Marine Transportation, Engr Abdullahi Babanya and his counterpart, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh gave the hint Friday in and while releasing 4 investigation reports and twenty (20) safety recommendations
Briefing further on the release of the first quarter 2024 investigation reports on air and marine transportation occurrence to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Bureau noted that the only passenger on board the boat wearing life jacket came with it as the operator did not provide life jacket to others.
It further stated that rescue operation was not timely as there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation in the rescue operations
The Bureau in its safety recommendations, however tasked NIWA to ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities (goods and passengers) are registered, adding that they must ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in the inland waterway.
They further tasked them to provide training to local fishermen and boat association members as rescue divers so as to provide prompt rescue in the event of an occurrence in the inland waterways.
The four 4 reports that were released include: inal report on serious incident involving Embraer EMB-145LR registered 5N-BVD operated by Air Peace Limited which occurred at Kaduna Airport, Kaduna on 14 January, 2021.
Others are the incident involving a ground collision between a Lavatory Service Truck with fleet number 9/5 operated by Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and a parked Boeing 737-300 aircraft registered 5N-DAB operated by Max Air Limited which occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on 21 November 2021.
Also, Preliminary report on serious Incident involving an MD-82 Aircraft Operated by Dana Airlines Limited Registered 5N-BKI, Which Occurred on Runway 18l Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 23 April 2024.Preliminary Report on a Boat Accident that occurred at one nautical mile from Onono Jetty In Anambra West LGA, Anambra State en route Asaba Jetty in Asaba, Delta State on 10 April 2024 at about 12:30.
Badeh, in his earlier welcome remarks stated that the purpose of the investigations report was not to apportion blame or liability, but, the four reports released contain 20 safety recommendations which are addressed to relevant entities within the transportation system with a view to prevent future recurrence of such accident or serious incidents when fully implemented.