Boat Mishap: Two Sand Miners Saved from Drowning in Calabar by NIWA Operatives

In a heroic rescue, two young sand miners narrowly escaped death after their boats capsized in the turbulent waters of the Calabar channel. The quick response by operatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Calabar Area Office saved the men, aged 23 and 25, after a rough tide overturned their watercrafts while they were mining sand.

NaijaNexusNews reports that the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024. While on routine patrol, NIWA operatives received a distress call and immediately sprang into action. Upon arrival, the patrol team found the miners struggling to stay afloat, their boat and sand haul completely submerged.

Engr. Stanley Onuoha, the Calabar Area Manager for NIWA, attributed the men’s survival to their life jackets, supplied by NIWA, which proved critical in the high-tide conditions exacerbated by heavy rainfall. Onuoha emphasized the importance of safety measures, saying, “This incident underscores the life-saving value of wearing proper life jackets. We remain committed to sensitizing operators and providing essential safety infrastructure.”

After the rescue, both miners were revived and safely returned to their families. This incident is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of waterways and the vital role of safety protocols.