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Hundreds of passengers who travel by boat between Kweme Bai Krim and Gbondapi town in Kpanga Chiefdom are being exposed to serious safety risks because boats operating on the route are not fitted with life jackets, and passengers are routinely denied life-saving equipment, an investigation has found.
A survey of the Gbondapi landing site found that more than 70 small boats, many powered by outboard “horsepower” engines, regularly carry large numbers of passengers without the required personal flotation devices. Boat operators say the Marine Department in Pujehun has offered little enforcement of safety rules and instead pressures captains with heavy fees and informal demands.
“I have been plying these rivers for over a decade,” said a long-serving boat captain who asked to remain anonymous. “My boat can carry more than 70 people. Buying life jackets for everyone would be very expensive. We already pay high taxes and fees at the Marine office. If the government were to reduce those charges or supply jackets, we could protect passengers.”
Passengers say they live with constant fear while crossing the river.
Ansumana Tiffa, who frequently travels the Bengani–Pujehun route, said he always asks for a life jacket before boarding but is told bluntly that the captain is not responsible for providing one.
“We know our lives are in danger,” Mr Tiffa said. “But when you ask the captain for a jacket, he says it’s not his duty. People pay large fares but are treated like cargo.”
Local boat operators confirmed that life jackets are rarely provided and that enforcement of maritime safety regulations is lax. Several captains described being harassed by marine officials who demand payments and fines, yet do not follow up with mandatory safety checks or supply life-saving gear.
Calls to the Pujehun Marine Department for comment were unsuccessful. Repeated attempts to reach the office to obtain their response proved futile.
Safety advocates say the situation is urgent. Small-boat drownings are a preventable cause of death; ensuring access to life jackets and enforcing maritime regulations are critical first steps.
Vamba-vanfie Kanneh, a public-health officer, recommends immediate measures, including a targeted enforcement blitz by the Marine Department to ensure every passenger boat carries an adequate number of life jackets and that they are accessible and in good condition.
Subsidies, bulk procurement, or distribution programs to make life jackets affordable for small boat operators, A review and transparent overhaul of fees at the Marine Department to remove incentives for corruption and permit captains to invest in safety equipment, Mandatory safety training and regular inspections for boat operators, with clear penalties for noncompliance, Public-awareness campaigns to encourage passengers to refuse travel on boats without life jackets.
