The Nigerian Navy said its personnel rescued more than 250 passengers from a three-deck wooden boat that capsized in Rivers State on Sunday night.
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 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,” Adams-Aliu said.
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