Nigerian Navy rescues 59 persons from dredger, loses officer

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bonny, has rescued 59 persons from the dredging vessel MV AMBIKA 4, working at Okpobo Field near the Okpobo River.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that the Navy lost an officer, Lt.-Commander Gideon Gwaza, in the operation, adding that the area was known to be turbulent at this time of the year.

“Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer for the rescue operation,” said Adams-Aliu.

“Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves, and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.

“Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.

“Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully, but the Base Operations Officer Gwaza paid the supreme price,” he said.

Adams-Aliu said that the deceased officer fell overboard accidentally during the last week’s rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours.