Navy rescues 250 passengers from boat accident in Rivers

Personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 deployed along Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State have rescued over 250 passengers who were onboard a capsized passenger boat at about 10pm on April 28, 2024.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the ill-fated boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, had set off from a local market in Sangana, Bayelsa State, and was headed for Rivers State when it encountered stormy waters and hit a wreck, which damaged its hull and resulting in the vessel capsizing.

He said the boat, a locally made, 3-deck wooden vessel popularly known as a “Large Cotonou Boat,” was overcrowded and had no lifesaving equipment on board and none of its passengers wore a lifejacket.

“It was the vigilant eyes and professional response of NN personnel who swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost.

“This rescue effort is in line with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla which states that “the strategic end state of NN operations is a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guineasaid, ” he said.

The navy spokesman reiterated the importance of lifejackets, life buoys and other life-saving equipment to local maritime operators.

“Provision and proper utilisation of such equipment is imperative to safety of lives at sea. The NN, wishes to assure the general public that it remains committed to securing Nigeria’s maritime space from the backwaters to the outermost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for legitimate businesses to thrive, ” the statement said.