The Nigerian navy, successfully rescued no fewer than 250 passengers from being drowned after a boat hit a wreckage at Buguma creek in Asari-Toru area of Rivers, on Monday.
The passengers and goods worth millions of naira were conveyed by a commercial double decker wooden boat when it hit the wreckage.
Commodore Desmond Igbo, the commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, who led journalists to the accident scene at Buguma, confirmed that no life was lost.
He said, the naval patrol boats responded to a distress call at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday to carry out the search and rescue operation.
”We mobilised personnel for a search and rescue mission. Thanks to our swift response and God’s intervention, there were no casualties,” he said.
Mr Igbo added that apart from combating oil theft and maritime crimes, the navy was also committed to protecting lives and property.
He emphasised the need for waterway travellers to be provided life jackets during their journey.
The commander urged the Rivers government to establish a sea search and rescue unit to prevent casualties in boat accidents.
”NNS Pathfinder has already documented a procedure to establish an emergency maritime unit in the state,” he said.
Also, the boat captain, Prosper Isokari, expressed gratitude for the navy’s prompt response and confirmed that all passengers were rescued without harm.
He explained that the boat collided with a wreckage, causing it to puncture and sink.
”We were travelling from Sangana, Brass in Bayelsa to Nembe Jetty in Port Harcourt when a sudden strong wind and tide pushed our boat into a wreckage and punctured it.
”The navy arrived immediately after receiving a distress call, moved into our boat and rescued all the passengers from the sinking boat,” he said.