The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a full inquiry into the deadly boat accident that occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State, which resulted in the deaths of Junior Pope and other crew members.
Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated on Sunday that the bureau would investigate the circumstances behind the regrettable incident.
According to the bureau, the accident claimed the lives of five people: popular Nollywood actor Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope; Abigail Frederick; Precious Oforum; and Joseph Anointing.
The speed boat, which reportedly carried Junior Pope and eleven film crew members, and a boat operator, crashed with a canoe.
The NSIB’s inquiry will seek to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify any factors that contributed to the accident, and recommend actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Captain Alex Badeh, the Director General of the NSIB, stated that an investigative team had been dispatched to the accident scene and that an inquiry had begun.
He stated, “The investigation scope includes, but is not limited to, examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members and eyewitnesses, review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.”
During the inquiry, the DG stated that the NSIB will work with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police branch of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities, and industry experts.
The bureau is anticipated to announce its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report after the inquiry is complete.
The studies strive to improve safety by making recommendations for preventing similar mishaps in the future.
“The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident. We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Badeh said.
On Friday, the Anambra State Police Command said it had retrieved the bodies of three boat accident victims.
“The two bodies were recovered on Thursday, April 11, 2024, while the last was washed in by the tide this morning. All the bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary in Asaba, while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery.
“The CP promised an expedited investigation into the sad accident that claimed the lives of five actors. He also commended the command’s marine unit and its commander for their dedication to duty.”
The catastrophe also forced the Actors Guild of Nigeria to prohibit its franchise’s actors from filming in riverine locations or taking boat rides.
Part of its statement read, “Following the tragic incident of a boat mishap that claimed the lives of Junior Pope and three other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable Point Asaba on April 10, all films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely.
“There should be no shooting at all locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.”
