The Nigerian Navy has said it personnel rescued over 250 passengers who were onboard a capsized passenger boat in Rivers state.
The Director, Naval Information, Commodore Adams Aliu disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He explained that ghe 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 and hit a wreck which damaged its hull causing it to capsize.
He said 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.
He said It was the vigilant eyes and professional response of personnel of Naval Security Station 023, who swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost.
He said, “Immediately the incident happen, our men were deployed for search and rescue. To the glory of God and to the quick response of our men, no casualty was recorded and non of them was even injured.
“Apart from fighting against oil thieves and maritime crimes, we (Navy) also protect lives, as part of our mandate.
“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 Guinea.”
He emphasized the significance 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,” he added.
