Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Pathfinder, have rescued over 250 persons including children following a boat mishap, involving a cargo boat, MV Precious Emmanuel, along Buguma waterways in Asari-Toru local government area of Rivers State.
The commercial boat, MV Precious Emmanuel, was conveying goods worth millions of Naira from Sangana in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State, to Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt when the accident occurred.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the boat conveying goods such as smoked fish, crayfish, bunches of plantains, and numerous crates of alcoholic beverages but capsized after hitting a wreck ship.
Speaking on the rescue, commander of NNS Pathfinder, commodore Desmond Igbo, said no casualty was recorded due to the quick response of operatives of the Nigerian Navy.
Igbo emphasised on the need for boat operators and water travellers to adhere to safety measures, particularly by putting on life vests.
He said, “Immediately the incident happen, our men were deployed for search and rescue. To the glory of God and to the quick response of our men, no casualty was recorded and non of them was even injured.
“Apart from fighting against oil thieves and maritime crimes, we (Navy) also protect lives, as part of our mandate.
“As you can see, none of them on-board that boat wore live jackets, and we have been hammering on safety that everyone transiting from one point to another on water must wear a live jackets.
“Recall that we launched the emergency rescue at sea, and it is pertinent to tell you that the NNS Pathfinder has documented a procedure to establish an Emergency Maritime Unit in the state. We want the government to come in and establish a full-fledged rescue unit at sea.”
Earlier, a passenger who lost goods worth over N1.5 million, Samuel Ikpe, commended the Nigerian Navy for the rescuing them and called on the government to support them, as they have lost their source of livelihoods.
