Tragedy was narrowly averted in Rivers State as over 250 passengers were rescued by t Nigerian Navy personnel after their boat capsized amidst stormy waters.
The harrowing incident occurred as the vessel, named MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, embarked on its journey from Sangana area of Bayelsa State to Rivers State, carrying mostly traders from a local market.
Reports indicate that midway through the voyage, the boat encountered turbulent waters, leading to a collision with a wreck that severely damaged its hull, resulting in the capsizing of the vessel. The dire situation unfolded around 10 pm on Monday, April 28, 2024, along the Cawthorne Channel, as revealed by Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Director of Information.
The rescued passengers were saved by the Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 personnel stationed along the channel without life-saving equipment onboard the vessel, including life jackets.
Commodore Adams-Aliu noted the importance of adhering to safety protocols at sea, stressing the necessity of equipping vessels with essential life-saving gear such as life jackets and life buoys. He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment, in accordance with the directives of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff.
