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A major boat accident has occurred at the Waifor crossing point along the Taia River near Njala-Mokonde Kori Chiefdom, Moyamba District, involving three people, including the boat rider.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening, August 18th 2026, after the boat rider, David Sama, travelled to Nyanyawama Village to transport bundles of cane sticks to the WAIFOR crossing side.
Reports indicate that after the cane sticks were secured onto the metal boat, powered by a 40-horsepower outboard engine, the three passengers began their return journey. However, the boat reportedly ran out of fuel in the middle of the river, forcing them to drift towards the WAIFOR crossing point. During the journey, water reportedly entered the boat through leakages, eventually causing the vessel to sink.
The three people on board reportedly struggled to reach safety. Two of them managed to reach the riverbank, while Sama, the boat rider, was temporarily missing, triggering panic among residents of Njala and Mokonde.
A search team, including Njala-Mokonde community leaders and other stakeholders, subsequently mobilised to search the Taia River for the missing boat rider. The search continued for several hours.
At about 9:00 p.m., on the same day, Sama was reportedly found alive near the riverbank, clinging to tree branches close to Momenga Village in Kori Chiefdom.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of people who depend on the Taia River for transportation and their daily activities.
Community members are now appealing to the Government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to assist with a safe and reliable boat for the crossing. They say the crossing is particularly important for people travelling to and from Njala for their livelihoods.
The incident also highlights the need for improved safety measures, regular maintenance of crossing boats and adequate emergency equipment for communities using the Taia River.
