Maritime University student, one other drown as boat capsizes in Warri River

A student of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) situated in Okerenkoko, Warri, Delta State, identified as Popo Precious, and a caterer working in the institution, has drowned in a boat mishap on the Warri River.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday morning, October 1, when the deceased and other passengers were travelling from Okerenkoko to Warri.

It was gathered that they took a private boat, instead of the designated school boat which they already paid for as part of their school fees. Sadly, the boat reportedly capsized while en route to Warri.

The other students were rescued by the boat driver while Popo, a Marine Engineering Cadet, Tamar 3, and the caterer were declared missing. However, their bodies were later discovered by local divers.

Popo, from the Ijaw tribe, was reportedly buried on that same evening while the body of the female caterer was deposited at the Warri Central Hospital.

A top official of the Institution, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, October 3, disclosed that the boat driver has been arrested.

“They boarded a private boat against the school rule that students and staff should only make use of school-owned boats and any other provided by management to ferry students to Warri,” the official said.

“It was on their way going that the boat capsized. Unfortunately, one of our students and caterer drowned in the process. We don’t know exactly what happened but the boat driver is already answering questions from police. The school has never recorded a case of boat mishap since we commenced academic activities.” he added.