Joseph Blankson

Joseph Blankson also known as Joe Blankson (born 29 October 1979 – 28 July 2018) was a young Nigerian who died saving victims of a boat accident on the Abonnema-Bakana waterway in Rivers State on 28 July 2018.

He was considered a hero after he singlehandedly managed to pull 13 people out of the river before he became exhausted, as he went in and out of the river, rescuing one person after the other. Unfortunately, Blankson drowned while trying to save the 14th person.

Joe Blankson was born in the city of Bakana Degema, Rivers State, Nigeria on 29 October 1979, as the second son of Mrs. Elizabeth Blankson and her late husband.

Blankson was a contractor working with an oil and gas company in Port Harcourt, where he supplied diesel.

The tragic boat accident happened on Saturday 28 July 2018, The boat, with 25 passengers on board, reportedly left Abonnema Wharf for Bakana, it was reported that a heavy downpour that lasted some hours increased the water level, coupled with several debris floating on the sea at the time led to the capsizing of the boat. Singlehandedly, Blankson managed to pull 13 people out of the river, going in and out of the river, but eventually became exhausted as he went into the river to save the 14th person. It was while trying to save the 14th person that Joe Blankson got drowned himself before other boat riders came and rescued the remaining passengers. Blankson who was going to Bakana for a burial boarded the both with his sisters who were among the survivors of the accident. It was reported that only Joe Blankson lost his life in the boat accident.

Joseph Blankson met his wife Mercy Blankson, a Microbiology graduate in 2012 at their NYSC camp in Obubra, Cross River State, they got married the following year and had three kids but lost one as a result of a fire accident on 25 December 2016.

Joseph Blankson got drowned out of exhaustion on his attempt to rescue the 14th person from drowning haven successfully rescuing 13 people, his dead body was recovered a day later and buried same day in the river according to customs over drowning. A service of songs in honour of the deceased was held and well attended by many who came to appreciate the life of the deceased.

On 29 July 2019, The Joe Blankson Foundation and swimming academy was setup in his honour by his wife Mrs. Mercy Blankson and family to teach children, including adults some of the swimming techniques and safety procedures needed for maritime travel.

Several Nigerians and humanitarian groups praised Joseph Blankson for his heroic act and called for a national honour on him. The then senate president, Bukola Saraki and former Nigeria vice president, Atiku Abubakar both tweeted about the incident, praising the heroic act of Blankson.

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike promised to support the wife and family of the late Joe Blankson.