Nigerian Navy rescues seven passengers, police officer lacking following boat mishap in Bayelsa

News

By Linda Ikeji
8 November 2026, 9:22 am

The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with native divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community, has rescued seven passengers following a ship mishap within the waters round Abedigbene, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to an announcement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the incident concerned a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, which reportedly had eight folks on board.

He stated the survivors had been taken to the houseboat, the place they obtained first help, with preliminary assessments indicating that none had sustained seen accidents.

Folorunsho, nonetheless, disclosed that one passenger, recognized as a police officer, remained lacking.

“The Nigerian Navy, through personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of Abedigbene Fishing Community, has rescued seven passengers following a boat mishap around Abedigbene waters in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on 5 November 2026,” the assertion learn.

“The incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, which reportedly had eight persons on board.

“Following a misery report from a neighborhood fisherman, personnel deployed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat promptly mobilised to the scene and commenced search and rescue operations with the help of native divers and group members.

“The rescued passengers included the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and five other passengers.

“The survivors had been taken to the houseboat, the place they obtained first help, with preliminary assessments indicating no seen accidents.

“However, one passenger, identified as a police officer, remains missing, while search and rescue efforts continue to locate the officer.

“On 6 November 2026, the Commissioner and the six different survivors had been conveyed to Yenagoa to reunite with their respective households.

“The operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime safety, protection of lives and prompt response to emergencies within its area of responsibility.

“The Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, counseled the personnel for his or her immediate response and professionalism, whereas acknowledging the invaluable help of the native divers and host group.

“The profitable rescue additional underscores the significance of collaboration between safety businesses and coastal communities in strengthening maritime security and defending lives.