Cross River police confirm 8 dead, 5 rescued in deadly Cameroon cross-border boat crash

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed a boat collision that left eight persons feared drowned in the Ikang axis of Bakassi Local Government Area.

The Command said the incident occurred on September 6, 2026, at about 12:14 pm, when a W23 speedboat carrying 13 Nigerian passengers from Ikang in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State to the Republic of Cameroon collided with another W23 speedboat fitted with a double Yamaha engine in Cameroon territorial waters around the Tikoro area.

According to preliminary information, five passengers were rescued alive with the assistance of local fishermen in Cameroon, while eight others were feared drowned.

The bodies of the persons feared drowned were subsequently recovered and brought to Simon Beach, Ikang, in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, in a statement on Tuesday, September 16, said the Marine Police, Ikang, have been directed to ensure that the recovered bodies are properly identified by their respective families and deposited at the morgue.

“The Marine Police, Ikang, have been directed to ensure that the recovered bodies are properly identified by their respective families and deposited at the morgue, while further developments are being followed up,” the statement read.

The Command added that it is liaising with relevant authorities and affected families to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Command is also liaising with relevant authorities and affected families as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Police Command will provide further information as soon as verified details become available,” ASP Eitokpah said.

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