The Nigerian Navy has said its personnel rescued more than 250 passengers from a three-deck wooden boat that capsized in Rivers State in southeastern Nigeria on Sunday night.
The Naval spokesman, Commodore Adams-Aliu, said the boat was approaching Rivers State waters when it encountered stormy waters and collided with a rock.
Adams-Aliu said that the personnel of Naval Security Station 023 deployed along Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State rescued the passengers after receiving a distress call.
“The ill-fated boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL cast off from a local market in Sangana area of Bayelsa State and was making way to Rivers State when it encountered stormy waters and hit a wreck which damaged its hull causing it to capsize.
“Notably, the locally made, three-deck wooden vessel popularly known as large Cotonou boat, was overborne, had no lifesaving equipment onboard and none of its passengers wore a lifejacket. It was the vigilant eyes and professional response of NN personnel who swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost,” he said.
He encouraged maritime operators to consistently ensure that their boats are equipped with life-saving equipment.
“Additionally, the Nigerian Navy wishes to reiterate the importance of lifejackets, life buoys and other life-saving equipment to local maritime operators. Provision and proper utilisation of such equipment are imperative to the safety of lives at sea,” the report by Ships and Ports publication on Tuesday quoted Adams-Aliu as saying.
GIK/APA
Nigerian Navy rescues 250 passengers onboard capsized boat
