Fresh Maritime Disaster In Bayelsa Claims Two Lives As Police Investigate Accidents

A woman identified as Mrs Victoria Abetnigo has died following a waterway accident involving an oil tanker and several canoes in Bayelsa State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.

The spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Mohammed, said preliminary findings indicated that a tanker belonging to Sterling Global Oil Ltd collided with some canoes while navigating close to the shoreline.

The impact reportedly destroyed the canoes and left Abetnigo, who was aboard one of them, with serious injuries.

She was subsequently rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital, where a doctor confirmed her death. Her remains have been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while police investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In a separate waterway incident in the state, a police officer was also confirmed dead after a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa capsized along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass Local Government Area on Thursday.

The boat was reportedly carrying eight passengers when the accident occurred. Seven people were rescued through the combined efforts of Nigerian Navy personnel, local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.

Among those rescued were the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families, colleagues and associates of the deceased.

He also praised the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, local divers, maritime union workers and members of the fishing community for their efforts in rescuing survivors.

The police commissioner urged operators of boats and commercial vessels to strictly observe maritime safety regulations, maintain safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes, and avoid reckless navigation.

He further advised passengers to wear life jackets throughout their journeys and encouraged all waterway users to report emergencies promptly to enable a timely response from relevant authorities.

The incidents have renewed concerns over waterway safety in Bayelsa State, particularly the need for vessel operators and passengers to comply with established safety measures.