Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A devastating boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including 18 Nigerians, after a passenger vessel carrying more than 50 travellers capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters while en route to Adamawa State. The ill-fated boat, which departed from Garoua in northern Cameroon bound for Yola in Nigeria, encountered a violent storm late Monday night, July 20, 2026, and overturned, plunging dozens into the dark waters along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor. Local sources told journalists that the boat was carrying more than 50 passengers alongside a large consignment of iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Residents familiar with the route said the boat operators ignored repeated warnings from locals who advised them to delay the journey until daylight because of worsening weather conditions. "The weather was bad, and people pleaded with them not to leave that night, but they insisted on sailing," a resident said. According to eyewitnesses, the boat ran into a powerful storm around midnight, causing it to capsize. Although early reports suggested that more than 30 people may have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 deaths, with fears that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue. The accident occurred about 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor.
By Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while search teams continued combing the waters for those still missing. Rescue efforts involving divers and emergency responders from both Nigeria and Cameroon remained ongoing. Several survivors were rescued and are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities on both sides of the international boundary. Authorities in both countries have yet to issue a detailed official statement on the disaster, and investigations into the cause of the deadly boat mishap are expected to begin as search and recovery operations continue.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of night travel and overloading on the busy waterway, where many Nigerians rely on boats for transportation between the two countries. The Nigeria Police Marine unit in Adamawa, when reached for comment, claimed the incident happened outside the shores of the country. As families grieve and rescue efforts continue, the question remains how many more lives must be lost before stricter safety measures are enforced on these perilous routes.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments