More than 20 people are feared dead after a passenger boat transporting mostly Nigerian travellers capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters while en route to Adamawa State.
Drivetvnews gathered that the tragic incident occurred late Monday night when the vessel, travelling from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, reportedly overturned after being caught in a violent storm.
According to local sources, the boat was carrying over 50 passengers, along with iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Residents familiar with the route said locals had advised the operators to postpone the journey until daylight due to worsening weather conditions, but the warnings were allegedly ignored.
Witnesses said the boat encountered severe turbulence around midnight, leading to the accident. While initial reports suggested that more than 30 people may have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 fatalities, with fears that the death toll could increase as rescue operations continue.
The accident reportedly occurred about 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria–Cameroon border corridor.
By Tuesday, 18 bodies had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while search teams continued efforts to locate those still missing.
Rescue operations involving emergency responders and divers from both Nigeria and Cameroon remain ongoing. Several survivors have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities on both sides of the international boundary.
Authorities in both countries are yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the tragedy, while investigations into the cause of the boat mishap are expected to commence after the search and recovery exercise.
