There may not be a closure to the tragic boat mishap that claimed the life of Nollywood actor Paul Odonwodo, a.k.a Junior Pope, any time soon as the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has launched an investigation into the tragedy.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Sunday by the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji.
Junior Pope and four others drowned on the Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, when their boat capsized as he and his crew were returning from a film location.
Other members of the 12-man filing crew that perished with him and a boat operator are: Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, and Joseph Anointing.
They were reportedly killed when the speedboat conveying the crew collided with a canoe.
The Nigeria Police Force has also swung into action, investigating the mishap.
Like the Police investigation, the NSIB’s investigation would scrutinize the circumstances that led to the tragedy, identify contributory factors, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Last Friday, the Anambra State Police Command issued a statement saying that it had recovered the bodies of three victims of a boat accident.
“The two bodies were recovered on Thursday, April 11, 2024, while the last was washed in by the tide this morning,” the statement said.
“All the bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary in Asaba, while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery.
“The CP promised an expedited investigation into the sad accident that claimed the lives of five actors. He also commended the Command’s Marine Unit and its commander for their dedication to duty.”
As a result of the tragedy, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, imposed an immediate ban on actors under its jurisdiction from shooting movies in riverine areas and participating in boat rides.
The AGN press statement said in part: “Following the tragic incident of a boat mishap that claimed the lives of Junior Pope and three other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable Point Asaba on April 10, all films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely.
“There should be no shooting at all locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.”
Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, in a statement, said that an investigation team had been dispatched to the accident site, and an inquiry has begun.
His words: “The investigation scope includes, but is not limited to, examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members and eyewitnesses, 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.”
Captain Badeh assured that the 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.
Badeh further disclosed that the bureau will release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report that will contain the investigation’s conclusion. According to him, the reports aim to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Said Badeh: “The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident.
“We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
