Over 20 Persons Feared Dead As Boat Carrying Nigerian Passengers Sinks On Cameroonian Waters

22nd July, 2026 | News

Over 20 Feared Dead as Passenger Boat Capsizes on Nigeria-Cameroon Border

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.

The tragic incident occurred late Monday night when the vessel, travelling from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, encountered a violent storm and overturned. The boat was reportedly carrying over 50 passengers, along with iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

According to local sources, residents had warned the boat operators against departing due to deteriorating weather conditions, urging them to wait until daylight. However, the operators reportedly ignored the warnings and continued the journey.

Witnesses said the boat was caught in a powerful storm around midnight, leading to the fatal accident. While initial reports suggested more than 30 people may have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 deaths, with fears that the casualty figure could increase as search operations continue.

The incident reportedly occurred about 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor. By Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while emergency responders continued searching for those still missing.

Several survivors were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities in both Nigeria and Cameroon.

Authorities from both countries have yet to release a comprehensive official statement, while investigations into the cause of the disaster are expected to commence after search and recovery operations are concluded.