Over 20 Feared Dead as Boat Carrying Nigerians Capsizes in Cameroon

More than 20 people are feared to have lost their lives after a passenger boat transporting mostly Nigerian travellers capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters while heading towards Adamawa State.

The incident reportedly occurred late Monday when the vessel departed Garoua in northern Cameroon for Yola, Nigeria. Reports indicate that the boat, which was carrying over 50 passengers as well as iron rods and other building materials, overturned after encountering severe weather during the journey.

The cargo on board was reportedly destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Residents familiar with the route said concerns had been raised about the deteriorating weather before the journey began. According to local accounts, community members advised the operators to postpone the trip until daylight because of the approaching storm, but the warning was allegedly ignored.

Witnesses said the boat was caught in a powerful storm around midnight, causing it to overturn in the water.

While initial reports suggested that more than 30 people might have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 fatalities. Officials warned that the death toll could increase as search and rescue operations continue.

The accident reportedly occurred along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor, approximately 120 nautical miles from the departure point.

By Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered and laid to rest in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while emergency teams continued searching for passengers still unaccounted for.

Rescue operations involving divers and emergency personnel from both Nigeria and Cameroon remain underway. Several survivors were rescued from the water and are currently receiving medical treatment at healthcare facilities in border communities.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Nigeria and Cameroon had not released a comprehensive official statement on the tragedy. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the boat accident are expected to commence after the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts are concluded.