The Nigerian Navy has successfully conducted a swift search and rescue operation following a boat collision in the Ogboinbiri waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, leading to the rescue of seven persons.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that the timely intervention of naval personnel helped avert further casualties and ensured the safe recovery of the victims.
According to him, the search and rescue effort was initiated following a distress call regarding an incident involving a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market boat.
He said that “personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SOROH were immediately deployed to the scene, where their timely response led to the rescue of the victims, who were promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent medical attention”.
He noted that efforts are ongoing to locate other missing persons.
This response underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which prioritises not only maritime security but also the protection of lives within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The operation further reinforces the Service’s consistent record in search and rescue missions across the nation’s waterways.
These efforts highlight the Nigerian Navy’s enduring role as a responsive and people-oriented maritime force.
The Nigerian Navy, therefore, assures the public of its readiness to continue deploying assets and personnel for timely responses to maritime emergencies in line with global best practices.