The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the tragic boat accident that occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State last Wednesday.
The NSIB’s investigation aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the accident, identify any factors contributing to the incident, and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of, Mr. Bimbo Oladeji disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Recall last week five people, including renowned Nollywood actor Paul Odonwodo, professionally known as Junior Pope, Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, and Joseph Anointing were killed when a speedboat carrying twelve film crew members and a boat operator, tragically collided with a canoe on the Anam River in Anambra State.
On Friday, the Anambra State Police Command issued a statement indicating that they had recovered the bodies of three victims of a boat accident.
He said: “The two bodies were recovered on Thursday, April 11, 2024, while the last was washed in by the tide this morning.
“All the bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary in Asaba, while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery.
“The CP promised an expedited investigation into the sad accident that claimed the lives of five actors. He also commended the Command’s Marine Unit and its commander for their dedication to duty.”
The accident also prompted the Actors Guild of Nigeria to bar actors under its franchise from shooting movies in riverine areas and participating in boat rides.
Part of its statement read, “Following the tragic incident of a boat mishap that claimed the lives of Junior Pope and three other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable Point Asaba on April 10, all films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely.
“There should be no shooting at all locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.”
In the statement, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh, said an investigation team has been dispatched to the accident site, and an inquiry has begun.
He said, “The investigation scope includes, but is not limited to, examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members and eyewitnesses, review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.”
According to the DG, NSIB will collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police section of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities, and industry experts, during the investigation.
The bureau will release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report upon the investigation’s conclusion. These reports aim to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future, he explained.
The DG said: “The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident.
“We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future”.
