Navy, locals rescue Bayelsa commissioner, six others in boat mishap

Personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with native divers and members of Abedigbene Fishing Community, have rescued seven passengers following a ship mishap within the waters of Abedigbene, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.

Among these rescued was the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and 5 different passengers.

However, a police officer reportedly on board the passenger boat stays lacking, as search and rescue operations proceed.

The incident occurred on November 5, 2026, when the passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa encountered a mishap round Abedigbene waters.

The rescue operation adopted a misery alert from an area fisherman, prompting personnel of FOB FORMOSO, deployed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, to mobilise to the scene.

The naval personnel instantly commenced search and rescue operations, working alongside native divers and members of the host fishing neighborhood.

Their coordinated efforts led to the rescue of seven of the eight individuals reportedly on board the boat.

The survivors had been subsequently taken to Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, the place they obtained first support. Preliminary assessments indicated that not one of the rescued passengers had seen accidents.

The Navy stated the commissioner and 6 different survivors had been conveyed to Yenagoa on November 6 to reunite with their respective households.

The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO recommended the personnel for his or her immediate response, professionalism and dedication, which contributed to the profitable rescue of the passengers.

He additionally acknowledged the contributions of native divers and members of Abedigbene Fishing Community, noting that their cooperation underscored the significance of collaboration between safety businesses and host communities in responding to emergencies.

The operation, based on the Navy, demonstrated the operational readiness and dedication of FOB FORMOSO personnel to defending lives and selling security inside the maritime atmosphere.

The Navy reaffirmed its dedication to maritime safety, the safety of lives and continued collaboration with coastal communities.