MOWAC gets Sierra Leonean support to curb maritime accidents

THE Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa ( MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu, has secured additional support from the Sierra Leonean government to curb maritime accidents and promote safe na vigation throughout the region.

During his visit to Freetown, Adalikwu met with Sierra Leone's Minister of Transport and A viation, Fanday Turay and expressed MOWCA'S concerns about recent marine accidents involving ferries, boats, and barges, emphasising that adherence to safety protocols could prevent such incidents.

The organisation mourned the loss of lives and in vestments du e to these acci - dents.

Adalikwu advised that water transportation should be strictly regulated to ensure passenger safety and pre - vent commercial losses. Adalikwu formally in vited Sierra Leone to participate in a regional workshop focused on the safety of inland waterways and passenger ferries in West and Central Africa, scheduled to take place in Libreville, Gabon, from July 15- 17, 2024.

He said the workshop is organised in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation ( IMO) and the International Maritime Rescue Federation ( IMRF).

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Adalikwu referenced a tragic boat accident in Gabon in 2023, which resulted in over 60 fatalities and several people missing.

He said this incident has led MOWCA to seek assistance from Gabon in planning the upcoming workshop.

Adalikwu announced that MOWCA is offering maritime training scholarships to 10 Sierra Leonean youths at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, as part of its capacity- building initiative.