The swift response and rescue efforts of Nigerian Navy personnel have averted a potential tragedy, as they rescued over 250 passengers from a capsized boat in Rivers State.
The incident occurred when the three-deck wooden boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, encountered stormy waters and collided with a rock while approaching Rivers State from Sangana area of Bayelsa State.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the boat was overloaded and lacked necessary life-saving equipment, such as life jackets.
However, due to the prompt action of the Navy personnel stationed along Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State, no lives were lost in the incident.
The Nigerian Navy’s rescue mission aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
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Adams-Aliu emphasized the importance of maritime operators equipping their boats with proper life-saving equipment to prevent such incidents.
This successful rescue comes amidst a concerning trend of boat mishaps in the country, including the recent tragic incident involving actor Pope Odonwodo and three others in Delta State.
The high number of fatalities recorded in boat accidents underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent future tragedies on Nigeria’s waterways.
