Six people — three Nigerian Navy personnel and three civilians — have been confirmed dead following the capsizing of a Navy gunboat in Delta State on Thursday evening.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after a free medical outreach in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area. The outreach was jointly organised by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta and the EMT Foundation as part of a two-day humanitarian mission.
The boat, identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, was carrying 15 occupants, including nine naval personnel and six civilians — among them, three members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The vessel was en route from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to a hotel in the Arunton community when it sank at approximately 7:45 p.m. The location of the accident was recorded at LAT 05° 36.408’N / LONG 005° 11.982’E, near a Chevron Nigeria Ltd facility.
Twelve individuals were rescued by a Navy search and rescue team and transported to a nearby Chevron clinic. Medical personnel confirmed six fatalities shortly after their arrival. The deceased have been identified as Commander J.O. Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye (NYSC member), Miss Dorcas (NYSC member) and Master Destiny (boat driver).
Three individuals remain missing: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, another NYSC corps member. Navy divers continued search and recovery operations on Friday, though no official update had been released.
While the Nigerian Navy has yet to issue a formal statement, the outreach resumed Friday in Okerenkoko under a somber atmosphere and reduced activity.
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