Suspected sea pirates have
attacked passengers along the Isaka waterways of Rivers State leaving one person dead and properties carted away.
Similarly, another Port Harcourt bound passenger boat from Bayelsa State with eleven passengers was also attacked by sea pirates along Bakana axis of Rivers State.
The Tide also gathered that a Bonny-Port Harcourt bound boat with 20 passengers on board was attacked between Isaka River before Almarine creek, but for the expertise of the boat driver who, during the attack, manoeuvered the boat and ran for over 10 km to the mangrove, and ascaped from the attackers.
But it was learnt that the passengers ran into the mangrove and escaped from their attackers, one of the passengers who was allegedly hypertensive could not stand the trauma as he complained of heart-break that later led to his untimely demise.
It was also gathered that another passenger boat with 10 passengers escaped the onslaught of sea pirates within the area.
The Tide source said two 75 horse power Yamaha engines were also carted away at the Bakana axis attack by the suspected hoodlums, after they off load the passengers at the mangrove before taking away all their belongings including cash, cell phones and properties.
The pilot of the ill-fated boat, Mr Andrew is now said to be stranded and frustrated as his only source of livelihood has gone.
When contacted, the Beach Master, Bonny Marine Transport Association, Comrade Henry Jumbo and the chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Nembe waterfront chapter, Comrade David Teke confirmed the incidence that have been a regular occurrence and further called for provisions of gunboats at strategic axis of the waterways to ameliorate the activities of the sea pirates.

Collins Barasimeye