Navy Rescue 20 Crew Members From Burning Vessel Off Calabar Waters

The Nigerian Navy said its personnel on Monday, 22 December 2025, rescued 20 Crew members from burning Motor Vessel (MV) CHIMBA EXPRESS off Calabar Waters.

Naval Spokesman, Commodore Adams-Aliu, said the successful rescue operation commenced at about 1pm hours when Nigerian Navy Ship OSE, while on routine sea patrol received a distress call from the endangered vessel.

Adams-Aliu noted that the team on arrival at the scene, observed that some crew members had jumped overboard while others were stranded on the exposed deck.

He said, “Through a coordinated effort of NN personnel from NNS OSE, Naval Security Station 030 and Forward Operating Base IBAKA, 20 crew members were rescued while a search operation was initiated for one person who is the Chief Engineer.

“It has been confirmed that there were only 21 persons onboard MV CHIMBA EXPRESS,” he said.

He reiterated further that concerted efforts were ongoing to locate the missing Chief Engineer.

According to the Director, the successful rescue of 20 persons underscored the visionary leadership and strategic direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whose vision is to develop a modern, agile and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.