The Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel of 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 on 28 April 2024.
According to the Director Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu the ill-fated boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL cast off from a local market in Sangana area of Bayelsa State and was making way to Rivers State when it encountered stormy waters, hit a wreck, damaging its hull which caused it to capsize.
The locally made, 3-deck wooden vessel popularly known as “Large Cotonou Boat” was overborne, had no lifesaving equipment onboard and none of its passengers wore a lifejacket.
It was the vigilant eyes and professional response of Nigerian Navy personnel who swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost.
This rescue effort according to the Director 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 Guinea.”
The Nigerian Navy reiterated the importance of lifejackets, life buoys and other life-saving equipment to local maritime operators as well as the provision and proper utilisation of such equipment for safety of lives at sea.
The NN therefore assured 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.
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