Boat driver who carried actor Junior Pope, others is not certified — NSIB

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released preliminary report on the boat accid£nt involving actor Jnr Pope and others which occurred in Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

The boat was conveying 12 actors and crew members before it crashed resulting in loss of five passengers including Jnr Pope, Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.

The NSIB at a press briefing on Friday, May 24, said that the boat driver was not certified.

Presented by the Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jn were two Aviation incident final reports, one aviation incident preliminary report, and a marine accident preliminary report, along with 20 safety recommendations.

Engr. Abdullahi Babanya, Director, Transport Investigation, who presented the findings of the preliminary report and others during the briefing, stated that the speed boat capsized and all occupants were flung into the Anam River.

According to him, “There was only one person on the wooden fishing canoe. This rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required. The boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed.

The only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat jumped into the river and escaped; The boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard were flung into Anam River.

Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket. The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator.

The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors. The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. There was no manifest of passengers and persons onboard the boat. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”