NNS Beecroft Rescues 12 Crew of Capsized Vessel at Lagos Harbour

…Search ongoing for
missing sailor

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Operatives of
Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT conducted a search and rescue operation that
led to the rescue of 12 crew of a capsized fishing vessel named Lady Barbara at
the entrance of the Lagos Harbour

This is just as
search is ongoing for the 13th sailor onboard the capsized vessel.

The fishing vessel,
which belonged to Seabless Fishing Company Limited, had put across a distress
call to the base when they ran into trouble at sea.

According to
Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Bashir Mohammed, in response to the distress
call, the patrol team of the base in collaboration with some personnel of
Nigerian Customs swung into action leading to the rescue of 12 out of the 13
crew onboard the vessel at the entrance to Lagos Harbour.

Mohammed, in a signed
statement, confirmed that failure of the main engine of the fishing vessel and
heavy waves led to the mishap. He added that the timely intervention
of the base was responsible for saving the lives of the crew, adding that the
Nigerian Navy in conjunction with the company and other relevant agencies are
conducting necessary investigations about the capsized vessel.

The rescued crew has
since been handed to over to the representative of SEABLESS Fishing Company
Limited, Mr Affa Azeez, and are undergoing medical treatment while a search for
the missing sailor is still ongoing.

Commodore Mohammed
while commending the search and rescue team of the base reassured Nigerians of
the Chief of Naval Staff’s commitment towards sustaining her constitutional
roles which includes the safety and security of lives and property within
Nigerian maritime environment.