Navy rescues 10 crew members from distressed vessel off Calabar waters

The Nigerian Navy has once again demonstrated its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea as personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA on Friday rescued ten crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III.

A statement from the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams- Aliu said the vessel, which was enroute to Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea encountered difficulty after taking in water.

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed.

“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday 8 November 2025.,” the statement said.

The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its the timely intervention and exceptional professionalism.

“The successful rescue operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s renewed efforts under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to ensure maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain, ” the statement said.