The Anambra State Police Command has disclosed that five bodies have been recovered while over thirty passengers have been rescued following a boat mishap on Sunday morning.

The yet-to-be-identified boat, which capsized on the River Niger, was said to also have women, children and some goods on board.

Following the mishap, passers-by reportedly attempted to rescue the victims from the Onitsha banks.

The public relations officer of the command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said they acted on a distress call and were able to put the situation under control.

The police spokesperson said officers promptly responded to distress calls and that the boat was coming from Kogi State.

“We were able to rescue over 30 of the passengers alive and recovered the five lifeless bodies in the depths of the sea and the capsized boat.

“Preliminary information revealed that the boat was from Kogi State, conveying goods and passengers before the unfortunate incident occurred.

“Meanwhile, the cause is yet to be ascertained as the investigation is ongoing, please,” he added.