In a swift and heroic operation, the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, rescued 99 passengers from drowning following a tragic boat collision in the waterways of Rivers State.
The incident occurred when a market boat, en route to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, was involved in a head-on collision with a barge identified as ADAM (Damen Buba). The crash caused severe structural damage to the market boat, leaving its passengers in grave danger.
Upon receiving the distress signal, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, stationed at Naval Security Station 035, responded promptly. Working in coordination with four Navy gunboats, the Navy launched an effective search and rescue mission under challenging conditions. The operation successfully saved all 99 passengers onboard and recovered most of their goods.
The Nigerian Navy, in a statement signed by its Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, said the prompt and coordinated response of its personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the passengers’ belongings were salvaged.
The statement further reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to ensuring the safety and security of all lawful seafarers within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Navy also urged members of the public, especially water transport operators, to adhere strictly to safety regulations and maritime guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This latest rescue effort underscored the Nigerian Navy’s vital role in protecting lives and property across the nation’s waterways and reinforces public confidence in its rapid emergency response capabilities.
