The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the collision occurred on September 6, 2026, at about 12:14 p.m.
According to the Command, one of the boats, a W23 speed boat carrying 13 Nigerian passengers, was travelling from Ikang towards the Republic of Cameroon through Cameroonian territorial waters around the Tikoro area.
The boat reportedly collided with another W23 speed boat fitted with two Yamaha engines, causing eight of the passengers to drown.
Five passengers survived the incident and were rescued with the assistance of local fishermen in Cameroon.
The bodies of those who drowned were subsequently brought to Simon Beach in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State.
The Police Command says its Marine Police unit in Ikang has been directed to ensure that the recovered bodies are properly identified by their respective families before being deposited at the morgue.
Meanwhile, the Command says it is liaising with relevant authorities and the affected families as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision. The Police say further verified information will be released as it becomes available.
Magdalene Eyoma
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