On Tuesday morning, the Authority of the Nigerian Navy confirmed that its officers rescued over 250 passengers from a capsized boat in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

A press statement by the Naval Authority said its officers rescued the persons along the Cawthorne Channel

The statement harped on the importance of lifejackets and other life-saving equipment to local maritime operators and passengers alike to reduce casualty figures in the event of a mishap.

“The Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel of Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 deployed along Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State rescued over 250 passengers who were onboard a capsized passenger boat at about pm local time on 28 April 2024.

“The ill-fated boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL cast off from a local market ithe n the Sangana area of Bayelsa State and was making way to Rivers State when it encountered stormy waters and hit a wreck which damaged its hull causing it to capsize.

“Notably, the locally made, 3-deck wooden vessel popularly known as “Large Cotonou Boat” was overborne, had no lifesaving equipment onboard and none of its passengers wore a lifejacket.

“It was the vigilant eyes and professional response of NN personnel who swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost.

“Additionally, the NN wishes to reiterate the importance of lifejackets, life buoys, and other life-saving equipment to local maritime operators.

“Provision and proper utilization of such equipment are imperative to the safety of lives at sea.

“The NN wishes to assure the general public that it remains committed to securing Nigeria’s maritime space from the backwaters to the outermost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for legitimate businesses to thrive.”