Many of the wooden speed boats that are used by passengers to navigate the Calabar-Oron canals have been bemoaned for their tendency to leak water while in motion.
As a result, they have demanded that the appropriate government bodies step in and order the withdrawal, renovation, or outright prohibition of these vessels from operating in the waterways.
They bemoaned the grave risk to passengers’ lives during an interview at Calabar’s Safe Journey Beach, saying that leaks may result in the boats capsizing at any time.
A traveler identified as Philip Philip implored the authorities to act immediately and not to wait any longer.
The main problem, which is now the top one, is that practically every boat on Calabar’s waterways leaks. This means that, at high tides, a lot of water easily falls into the boats while they are moving, endangering both the lives of the passengers and the boats themselves.
“To save precious lives, the government should act immediately to ensure that the ones that are leaking are fixed or banned.”
Effiom Asuquo, a former head of the Maritime Workers Union and boat owner, stated that owners and operators are concerned about the security of their vessels and the people on board.
As a yacht owner, I do take additional precautions with my vessels. We have several unions, such as the operators union and the boat drivers union.
The safety of passengers on water is a matter of great concern to the Nigerian Navy. To prepare for any eventuality, they have up to four checkpoints on the waterways.
