Navy Rescues 250 in Rivers Boat Mishap

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Over 250 persons, including children were rescued by the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS) in a boat mishap, that occurred along Buguma waterways in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

This was as the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), has extended its sympathy to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the  people of the state for the loss of lives and properties from the April 27 carnage that killed several commuters on the East West Road along the Indorama-Petrochemical-Aleto.

THISDAY gathered that the cargo boat, MV Precious Emmanuel, conveying goods worth millions of Naira from Sangana in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt, capsized around 10:30pm Sunday, after hitting a wreck.

It was also gathered that the cargo boat conveyed goods such as baskets of smoked fish, crayfish, bunches of plantains, and numerous  crates of alcoholic beverages, others.

Speaking, the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, said no casualty was recorded due to the quick response of operatives of the Nigerian Navy.

Igbo emphasised the need for boat operators and water travellers to adhere to safety measures, particularly by putting on life vests.

“Immediately the incident happened, our men were deployed for search and rescue. To the glory of God and to the quick response of our men, no casualty was recorded and non of them was even injured.

“Apart from fighting against oil thieves and maritime crimes, we (Navy) also protect lives, as part of our mandate. As you can see, none of them onboard that boat wore live jackets, and we have been hammering on safety that everyone transiting from one point to another on water must wear a live jackets.

“Recall that we launched the emergency rescue at sea, and it is pertinent to tell you that the NNS Pathfinder has documented a procedure to establish an Emergency Maritime Unit in the state. We want the government to come in an establish a full-fledged rescue unit at sea,” he added.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, in a statement said the governors were saddened by the painful loss, impacting not only the government and the people of Rivers State but also the entire country.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of victims, who lost their beloved ones, even those yet to be identified, as we pray that all survivors who sustained various levels of injuries and material losses would have a speedy recovery and due compensation, respectively, from the trauma.

“We express our call for quick intervention on the reconstruction of this road by the Federal Government to prevent a reoccurrence of the gory sights witnessed there at Eleme, or elsewhere in the country.”