Nigeria Navy races against time, rescues 99 in Rivers boat mishap

Troops of the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday April 29, 2025, successfully rescued 99 passengers from a boat mishap.

According to reports, the incident occurred along the Bukuma River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The mishap which took place at approximately 10:55 a.m. on April 29, involved a wooden passenger boat named Blood of Jesus, which was ferrying commuters and goods from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area when it collided with a barge.

According to the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, the boat suffered significant structural damage after a head-on collision with a barge identified as Damen Buba.

The commander made this known in an official statement issued by the Base Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Bridget Bebia, on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

He explained that the impact of the collision occurred near the Tuma area, approximately 300 metres from Naval Security Station 035 in Degema.

“Upon receiving the distress call that passengers were in danger of drowning, four naval gunboats were immediately deployed to the scene for a search-and-rescue operation,” Aniaku said.

He confirmed that naval personnel arrived swiftly and successfully rescued all 99 passengers from the river.

He added that the rescue was conducted under difficult conditions, but no injuries or fatalities were recorded.

The commander commended the professionalism, courage, and swift response of the naval personnel involved in the operation, crediting their efforts for preventing what could have been a major tragedy.

“The outcome of the rescue was a result of prompt intervention, coordination, and the commitment of our personnel to duty,” he stated.

He further urged riverine transport operators to prioritize safety precautions, including regular maintenance of vessels and compliance with navigation rules.

Aniaku also stressed the importance of equipping boats with adequate safety gear and ensuring that captains avoid overcrowding and unregistered vessels.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to maintaining maritime safety across the nation’s inland waterways and coastal regions, especially in areas prone to such incidents.

This successful rescue highlights the increasing role of the military in civilian emergency response efforts in Nigeria’s riverine communities, where boat accidents remain a frequent concern.

Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of property loss in the incident, but investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.

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