THE Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an investigation into the boat mishap that claimed the lives of Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope, Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum and Joseph Anointing.

Recall that the accident involved a commercial speedboat, conveying 12 movie cast and crew, which reportedly crashed into a fishing canoe on the Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday, April 10, resulting in the instant loss of five lives.
   The NSIB, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji, said the Bureau had dispatched an investigation team to the accident site to examine the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interview surviving crew members and eyewitnesses.

The team is also to undertake a “review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.”

Oladeji assured Nigerians that the Bureau would make preliminary reports of the investigation public, adding: “NSIB will collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police section of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities and industry experts during the investigation.

“The Bureau will release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report upon the investigation’s conclusion. These reports are to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.”