They were part of the casualties from the deadly accident that reportedly claimed 20 lives, according to BBC News.
Details of the incident revealed that at about 9pm on Tuesday, a wooden boat transporting passengers and livestock between Egle Island and Mgbuoduhia capsized and about 45 occupants of the boat were reportedly missing.
Confirming the recovery, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ben Uguegbulam told the Vanguard that the recovered bodies had since been deposited at the morgue.
Among those recovered according to him, included a six year old girl, adding that search and rescue operations were still on at press time.
“Update on Mgbuoduhia water front boat mishap. As at 11.45 today (Thursday) 15 12.11, 26 bodies including that of a six year old girl found this morning been recovered by the search and rescue team”
It has taken the combined efforts of security operatives from the State and locals to recover the bodies of the deceased.
Yushau Shuaib, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who confirmed the recovery of the 20 bodies last night, said the boat had been loaded far beyond capacity.
Many of the residents depend on waterway transportation as most of the road networks are in terrible conditions.
BBC correspondent reporting from Port Harcourt said some brave drivers took part in the rescue operation last night as concerned citizens and emotional relatives looked on.
According to reports, at least three people, including a pregnant woman and child, survived the horrid accident.
Rescue official in the area, Umesi Emenike, told the AFP that the pregnant woman gave birth hours after being rescued, according to the BBC.
