The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the Abedigbene fishing community, successfully rescued seven individuals from drowning following a boat mishap in Bayelsa State on Thursday. Among those rescued were the Bayelsa Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones, and a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps official.
An operational report from Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, indicated that the incident occurred while the passenger boat was en route from Yenagoa to Akassa with eight people on board. A distress signal was received from a local fisherman, prompting a rapid response from personnel stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO.
With the assistance of community members, the search and rescue operation located the survivors, who were then brought on board a nearby houseboat for first aid. Preliminary assessments showed no visible injuries among the survivors. However, one passenger, identified as a police officer, remains missing.
Following the rescue, the commissioner and the other six survivors were transported back to Yenagoa to reunite with their families. Captain Folorunsho emphasized that this operation underscores the Navy’s ongoing commitment to ensuring maritime safety and rapid emergency response in their jurisdiction.
Captain Sunday Haruna, the Commanding Officer at FOB FORMOSO, praised the responding personnel for their professionalism and acknowledged the crucial support provided by local divers and members of the community. He noted that this successful rescue operation highlights the importance of collaboration between security agencies and coastal communities in enhancing maritime safety.
