The Navy rescue team from the Navy Ship PATHFINDER executed a life-saving operation in the waters of Rivers State, successfully rescuing 99 individuals from drowning.
This was disclosed according to a statement signed by the Director of Information Commodore A Adams-Aliu on Wednesday, 30 April, 2025.
According to the statement the incident occurred when a barge known as ADAM (Damen Buba) collided head-on with a market boat while en route to Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The collision resulted in significant structural damage to the market vessel, compromising its stability and the safety of those on board.
In a commendable display of teamwork, personnel from the Navy Ship PATHFINDER, based at Naval Security Station 035, quickly collaborated with four additional Navy gunboats to launch a well-coordinated search and rescue operation.
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Despite challenging weather conditions and an urgent time constraint, the Navy’s swift actions ensured the rescue of all 99 passengers aboard the distressed market boat.
Remarkably, the rescue team also managed to salvage a majority of the valuable goods that the passengers were transporting, mitigating the financial losses that could have arisen from the incident.
The timely intervention and prompt response of the Nigerian Navy personnel were pivotal in preventing any loss of life, demonstrating their commitment and professionalism under pressure.
The Navy emphasizes that, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the service remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate seafarers in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
