Six dead, three missing as Navy boat capsizes in Delta
Six participants, in conjunction with three naval personnel and three civilians, had been confirmed lifeless following the capsizing of a Nigerian Navy gunboat in Delta Deliver on Thursday night time.
The accident occurred quickly after a free scientific outreach in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Authorities Situation, organised by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in collaboration with the EMT Foundation. The victims had real done the major day of the two-day humanitarian mission when the incident occurred.
According to sources mindful of the operation, the boat, identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, was carrying 15 occupants—nine Navy personnel and 6 civilians, in conjunction with three participants of the National Early life Carrier Corps (NYSC).
The vessel was en route from the Forward Operating Scandalous (FOB) Escravos to a resort within the Arunton community when it sank at roughly 7:forty five p.m. The placement of the incident was recorded at LAT 05° 36.408’N / LONG 005° 11.982’E, at as soon as opposite a Chevron Nigeria Ltd facility.
12 participants had been pulled from the water by the Navy’s search and rescue group and taken to the Chevron clinic nearby. Medical personnel on responsibility confirmed the deaths of six participants quickly after arrival.
The deceased had been identified as Commander JO Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Customary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye and Miss Dorcas (both NYSC participants), and Master Future, the boat’s driver.
Three participants remain unaccounted for: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, one other corps member. Navy divers continued recovery operations on Friday, though no official change had been offered as of press time.
The Nigerian Navy has no longer issued a proper assertion referring to the incident. However, the outreach continued as scheduled on Friday in Okerenkoko, with diminished inform and a sombre ambiance.
Throughout the Thursday session, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, Commander of NNS Delta—represented by Navy Captain Ayi Archibong—reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to civil-militia cooperation.
“The Nigerian Navy has the constitutional accountability to be certain that that safety all around the country’s maritime ambiance. To fulfil this mandate, the Navy engages in Civil-Protection force Cooperation (CIMIC) actions geared toward constructing noteworthy and definite relationships with the public,” he said.
The outreach, which offered scientific consultation, medication, and successfully being education, is a a part of Operation Delta Sanity II, initiated by the Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Residents from surrounding communities, in conjunction with Okerenkoko, turned out for the outreach despite rainfall. Pastor Christmas Ikare James, Assistant Secretary of the Okerenkoko community, welcomed the trouble.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Navy. At a time love this, when customary healthcare is previous the attain of many, this outreach plan a lot to our participants,” he said.
As search efforts proceed, the Navy and local community participants are mourning these misplaced within the incident.
