Nigerian Navy Rescues Seven in Bayelsa Boat Collision, Intensifies Search for Missing Victims
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued seven persons following a boat collision in the Ogboinbiri waterways of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, in a swift emergency response that underscores its growing reputation as a life-saving maritime force.
The incident, which involved a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market boat, triggered an immediate search and rescue operation after a distress call was received by naval authorities.
Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SOROH were promptly deployed to the scene, where their rapid intervention led to the rescue of the victims.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, “the Nigerian Navy has successfully conducted a swift search and rescue operation… resulting in the rescue of 7 persons.”
The statement added that “personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SOROH were immediately deployed to the scene, where their timely response led to the rescue of the victims, who were promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent medical attention.”
Efforts, however, are still ongoing to locate other missing persons believed to have been involved in the collision.
The Navy noted that the operation reflects its broader commitment to safeguarding lives across Nigeria’s waterways, in line with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
“This response underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff… which prioritises not only maritime security but also the protection of lives within Nigeria’s maritime environment,” the statement said.
The Service also highlighted its consistent track record in similar rescue missions, citing recent operations including the rescue of 16 passengers during a sea robbery incident in the Ibaka–Calabar Channel in March 2026, 20 crew members from a burning vessel near Calabar in December 2025, and 10 crew members from a distressed vessel in November 2025.
It further recalled the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims in Calabar waterways in October 2025, describing these efforts as evidence of its role as “a responsive and people-oriented maritime force.”
Reassuring the public, the Nigerian Navy pledged its continued readiness to respond to maritime emergencies.
“The Nigerian Navy… assures the public of its readiness to continue deploying assets and personnel for timely response to maritime emergencies in line with global best practices,” the statement concluded.
