More than 20 people, mostly believed to be Nigerians, have died after a passenger boat capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters while travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola, Adamawa State.
According to local sources, the boat overturned late Monday night after encountering a violent storm while carrying more than 50 passengers and a heavy load of iron rods and other building materials reportedly destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The vessel was said to have departed Garoua despite warnings from residents familiar with the route, who reportedly advised the operators to postpone the journey until daylight due to the unfavourable weather conditions.
However, the warnings were allegedly ignored, and the boat proceeded with the journey.
Eyewitnesses said the vessel encountered a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn in the waters along the Nigeria Cameroon maritime border.
Although initial reports suggested that more than 30 people might have lost their lives in the accident, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 deaths.
Sources said the incident occurred approximately 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria Cameroon maritime border.
As of Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had reportedly been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as authorities and local residents continued efforts to locate passengers who remained missing after the accident.
Residents said rescue teams, including divers from Nigeria and Cameroon, had intensified operations to recover more victims from the waters.
The incident has caused grief among communities along the waterway, particularly in Adamawa State, where many residents regularly use the route for transportation and the movement of goods between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The accident has also raised concerns over the safety of boat transportation along the Nigeria Cameroon maritime route, particularly during periods of severe weather and poor visibility.
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