FEATURED
Navy Rescues Bayelsa Commissioner, 6 Others After Boat Mishap; Police Officer Missing
The Nigerian Navy has rescued the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mrs Ebiere Jones, and six other passengers following a boat accident in Abedigbene waters, Brass Local Government Area of the state.
However, a police officer who was among the eight passengers on board the boat remains missing, as search and rescue operations continue.
The rescue operation was conducted by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, deployed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.
The Base Information Officer, SLT Joshua Dauda, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Yenagoa.
Dauda said the Navy launched the operation after receiving a distress call from a local fisherman concerning a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa on Thursday.
“Upon receiving the information, personnel of FOB FORMOSO swiftly mobilised to the incident location and immediately commenced search and rescue operations,” he said.
He explained that seven of the eight passengers were successfully rescued through the joint operation involving naval personnel, local divers and members of the host community.
Those rescued included Commissioner Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and five other passengers.
According to Dauda, the survivors received first aid upon arrival at the houseboat, while preliminary medical assessments showed no visible injuries.
The commissioner and the six other survivors were subsequently transported to Yenagoa on Friday to reunite with their families.
The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Capt. Sunday Haruna, commended the naval personnel for their swift response, dedication and professionalism during the rescue operation.
Haruna also acknowledged the contributions of local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, noting that the operation highlighted the importance of cooperation between security agencies and host communities during emergencies.
He said the successful rescue demonstrated the Navy’s readiness to protect lives and ensure maritime safety within its area of responsibility.
The base, he added, would continue to strengthen maritime safety measures and cooperation with host communities.
