A cross-border journey from Cross River to Cameroon has ended in tragedy for eight Nigerian passengers, whose bodies were recovered after their boat collided with another vessel in Cameroonian waters.

The passengers were among 13 Nigerians travelling from Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area to Cameroon when the incident occurred around 12:14 p.m. on September 6 near Tikoro. Five passengers survived after local fishermen in Cameroon joined efforts to rescue those caught up in the crash.

The Cross River State Police Command said the eight others were feared drowned, with their bodies later recovered and brought to Simon Beach in Ikang.

The tragedy has now left affected families facing the painful task of identifying and recovering their loved ones. The Marine Police in Ikang have been directed to ensure that the recovered bodies are properly identified by their families before being deposited at the morgue.

The accident involved a W23 speedboat carrying the Nigerian passengers and another W23 speedboat fitted with two Yamaha engines. Police said the collision occurred in Cameroon territorial waters around the Tikoro area.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said the command was working with relevant authorities and the affected families to establish the full circumstances of the crash.

The command said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses.