A fatal boat collision in the Ikang axis of Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State, has claimed the lives of eight passengers traveling along the international waterway toward the Republic of Cameroon.

 

The incident was officially confirmed by the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, in a statement released on Tuesday, September 16, 2026.

 

**Details of the Collision**

 

According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred on September 6, 2026, at around 12:14 pm. A W23 speedboat carrying 13 Nigerian passengers had departed from Ikang, Bakassi LGA, bound for Cameroon when it collided with a second W23 speedboat—equipped with double Yamaha engines—in Cameroonian territorial waters around the Tikoro area.

 

Local fishermen operating nearby managed to rescue five passengers alive. However, eight others were swept away and feared drowned.

 

**Recovery and Ongoing Investigation**

 

The bodies of the eight victims have since been recovered from the water and brought back to Simon Beach in Ikang.

 

ASP Sunday disclosed that the Marine Police in Ikang have been instructed to assist grieving families with the identification process:

 

> *"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 police statement read.

 

> *"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.”*