- Nigerian Navy rescued 20 crew members from a burning vessel.
- Incident occurred on the Oron–Calabar waterway in Cross River.
- Vessel was en route from Gabon carrying scrap materials.
- One crew member still missing, search ongoing.
The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 20 crew members after a cargo vessel caught fire along the Calabar axis of the Oron–Calabar waterway in Cross River State, following a distress alert raised on Monday afternoon.
Naval personnel attached to Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE carried out the rescue after responding to an emergency call from Motor Vessel MV Chimba Express, which was travelling from Gabon to Calabar with scrap materials and other logistics.
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According to a statement issued by the Base Operations Officer of NNS VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, the distress call was received at about 1:00 pm while NNS OSE was on routine patrol.
“On arrival at the scene, thick smoke was observed billowing from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations,” Ahunanya said.
Naval officers deployed life buoys to save crew members who had jumped into the water, as well as those stranded on the deck of the burning vessel.
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A total of 20 crew members were rescued and given first aid. The vessel reportedly had 21 persons on board, including 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians.
Ahunanya disclosed that the Chief Engineer of the vessel remains missing after reportedly jumping into the water over fears of an explosion.
“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate the missing crew member,” he added.
The Navy said the operation was supported by personnel from Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen in the area.
Firefighting efforts were also deployed, with portable pumps used to contain the blaze, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
Reaffirming the Navy’s mandate, Ahunanya said the service remains committed to protecting lives and maritime assets within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“This operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to the safety of seafarers and maritime security,” he said.
