The Nigerian Navy has rescued Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mrs. Ebiere Jones, and six other passengers following a boat accident in the Abedigbene waters of Brass Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Thursday involving a passenger vessel travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, leaving one police officer missing as search and rescue operations continue.
In a statement issued on Friday and made available to journalists in Yenagoa, the Base Information Officer, SLT Joshua Dauda, disclosed that the rescue was carried out by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO. Stationed at the Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, the naval team collaborated with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community to conduct the operation.
Dauda explained that the response was triggered by a distress call from a local fisherman who reported the mishap. “Upon receiving the information, personnel of FOB FORMOSO swiftly mobilised to the incident location and immediately commenced search and rescue operations,” he said. The Navy confirmed that seven of the eight individuals aboard the vessel were recovered during the mission.
Among those rescued were Commissioner Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and five other passengers. The survivors received first aid at the houseboat immediately after being pulled from the water, with initial medical assessments indicating that none had sustained visible injuries. The group was subsequently transported to Yenagoa on Friday to reunite with their families.
Capt. Sunday Haruna, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, praised the naval personnel for their swift intervention, commitment, and professionalism. He also acknowledged the vital contributions of local divers and the Abedigbene fishing community, noting that their involvement highlighted the importance of cooperation between security agencies and host communities during emergencies.
Haruna stated that the successful recovery of seven passengers demonstrated the Navy's preparedness and commitment to safeguarding lives within its maritime area of responsibility. He assured the public that the base would continue to prioritise maritime safety while strengthening its relationship with communities in its operational environment.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>