The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 crew members after a vessel caught fire along the Calabar axis of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State.
The operation was carried out on Monday by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE after a distress call was received from the motor vessel MV Chimba Express.
It was gathered that the vessel was reportedly travelling from Gabon to Calabar, conveying scrap materials and other logistics, when the incident occurred.
According to a statement issued by the Base Operations Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, Lt. Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, NNS OSE was on routine patrol when it received the distress call at about 1:00 pm.
The statement noted that upon arrival at the scene, thick smoke was observed billowing from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations by naval personnel.
“Crew members who had abandoned the vessel, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys,” the statement read.
It added that 20 crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid. The vessel was said to be crewed by 21 persons, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians.
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Ahunanya stated that the Chief Engineer of the vessel, who reportedly jumped into the water for fear of an explosion, remains missing, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
It further disclosed that personnel from Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen supported the rescue operation.
It also said that NNS OSE deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
Ahunanya reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to the safety of seafarers and the protection of maritime assets within Nigeria’s waters, in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
