Boat Mishap: Navy Rescues Bayelsa Commissioner, Six Others as Search Continues
The Nigerian Navy has rescued the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, and six other passengers following a boat mishap 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 Navy disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, by its Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
It said the incident occurred on November 5 and involved a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa with eight persons on board.
According to the statement, personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO mobilised for a rescue operation after receiving a distress report from a local fisherman.
The naval personnel, supported by local divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community, conducted search and rescue operations around the incident location.
Those rescued included the state commissioner, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and five other passengers.
The survivors were taken to a naval houseboat, where they received first aid. Preliminary assessments indicated that they had no visible injuries.
The Navy said the commissioner and the six other survivors were conveyed to Yenagoa on November 6 to reunite with their families, while efforts to locate the missing police officer remained ongoing.
The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO commended the personnel for their prompt response and professionalism, while acknowledging the support provided by local divers and members of the host community.
The Navy said the operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration between security agencies and coastal communities in promoting maritime safety and protecting lives.
By TimesNG