July 22, 2026
ADAMAWA, NIGERIA — More than 20 people are feared dead after a passenger boat carrying mostly Nigerian travellers capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters while en route to Adamawa State.
According to local sources, the incident occurred late Monday night when the vessel, travelling from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, was caught in a violent storm and overturned.
The boat was reportedly carrying more than 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 the operators ignored repeated warnings to postpone the journey until daylight due to worsening weather conditions.
Rescue officials said at least 20 fatalities have been confirmed, while fears remain that the death toll could rise as search and recovery operations continue. By Tuesday, 18 bodies had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki Community in Fufore Local Government Area, with several others still unaccounted for.
Emergency responders and divers from both Nigeria and Cameroon are continuing rescue efforts, while several survivors have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities.
Authorities in both countries have yet to release a comprehensive official statement on the tragedy. Investigations into the cause of the boat accident are expected to begin after search and recovery operations are concluded.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over water transportation safety, particularly the dangers of overloading passenger boats and travelling during severe weather conditions.
