Eight rescued as search continues for missing boat passengers in Rivers

Rescue and recovery efforts are underway in Rivers State, Nigeria, following a boat mishap that occurred on Tuesday evening in the Robertkiri waterways of Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. An estimated ten persons are feared to have drowned when a tugboat and a speedboat collided, with the tugboat being operated by security personnel. The collision involved a tugboat carrying over 15 passengers from the community, who were protesting various issues related to an oil vessel operated by the Ibeto Group.

The Ibeto Group, through its subsidiary Max Shipping Services Limited, denied any direct responsibility for the incident in a statement released on Wednesday evening. The company stated that the vessel in question, the 'Anambra Basin FSO', was hired by Menal Technical Services Limited for deployment in the area. The company further clarified that the vessel's ownership and the petroleum operations in the community are separate matters.

As of Wednesday night, the search and rescue team, comprising police, chiefs, and other indigenes of Kula, had rescued eight individuals from the capsized boat. However, they were unable to locate the bodies of any of the victims as of Wednesday night. The police have not provided any new information since, stating that they will provide updates if there are any developments.