Navy Rescues 7 After Boat Collision In Bayelsa

The Nigerian Navy personnel have rescued seven persons from drowning following a boat collision at the Ogboinbiri waterways in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State.

A statement by the Naval Spokesman Captain Abiodun Folorunsho , said the search and rescue effort was initiated following a distress call on an incident involving a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SOROH following the report immediately deployed its personnel to the scene, where they rescued the victims.

He said the victims were promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent medical attention while efforts were ongoing to locate other missing persons.

The Nigerian Navy had recently rescued 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, 10 crew members from a distressed vessel in Calabar waters in November 2025, as well as the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims in Calabar waterways in October 2025.

The operations according to the statement underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which prioritises not only maritime security but also the protection of lives within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

“These efforts highlight the Nigerian Navy’s enduring role as a responsive and people-oriented maritime force.”

He assured the Nigerian Navy’s readiness to continue deploying assets and personnel for timely response to maritime emergencies in line with global best practices.