The operatives of the Nigerian Navy have confirmed the rescue of over 250 passengers from a boat in Rivers State.
This was stated in a press release made available to reporters on Tuesday morning, as the Navy reiterated the importance of lifejackets and other lifesaving equipment to local maritime operators.
The commercial boat, MV Precious Emmanuel, was conveying goods worth millions of Naira from Sangana in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State to Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt when the accident occurred.
The military said, “The Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel of Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 deployed along Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State rescued over 250 passengers who were onboard a capsized passenger boat at about 10 pm local time on 28 April 2024.
“The ill-fated boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, cast off from a local market in the Sangana area of Bayelsa State and was making its way to Rivers State when it encountered stormy waters and hit a wreck, which damaged its hull and caused it to capsize.
“Notably, 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.
“The vigilant eyes and professional response of NN personnel swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost.
“Additionally, the NN wishes to reiterate the importance of lifejackets, life buoys, and other lifesaving equipment to local maritime operators.
“Provision and proper utilization of such equipment are imperative to the safety of sea life.
“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 so that legitimate businesses can thrive.”
It was reported that the boat, which was conveying goods such as smoked fish, crayfish, bunches of plantains, and numerous crates of alcoholic beverages, capsized after hitting a wrecked ship.
