Eight drown as speed boats collide in Cross River

A maritime collision in the Cross River area between two W23 speed boats resulted in at least eight lives lost on September 6, 2026. The incident unfolded in the Cameroonian territorial waters near Tikoro, where a Nigerian W23 speed boat carrying 13 passengers from Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area met with another W23 speed boat powered by two Yamaha engines.

Five passengers were rescued by local fishermen, but eight others were feared drowned. Their bodies were later recovered and identified by their families before being taken to Simon Beach in Ikang, Bakassi LGA. The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident and stated that the Marine Police would ensure the proper identification of the victims.

The police are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision and are working closely with relevant authorities and affected families to establish the full details of the incident.