The Nigerian Navy has rescued over 250 passengers from a capsized passenger boat along the Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State.

According to the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adams Aliu, the incident occurred when the boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, departed from a local market in Sangana area of Bayelsa State and was en route to Rivers State. The boat encountered stormy waters and collided with a wreck, causing it to capsize.

The vessel, a locally made 3-deck wooden boat, commonly referred to as a “Large Cotonou Boat,” lacked lifesaving equipment, and none of the passengers were wearing life jackets.

Fortunately, personnel from Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 swiftly responded to the distress call and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring that no lives were lost.

Commodore Aliu emphasized that the rescue effort aligns 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.”

Furthermore, the Navy stressed the importance of life-saving equipment such as life jackets and life buoys for maritime operators. Proper provision and utilization of these tools are crucial for ensuring the safety of lives at sea.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime space and ensuring the safety of maritime activities from local waters to the outermost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone.