The Nigerian Navy on Monday night rescued 20 crew members after their vessel caught fire along the Calabar Channel while en route from Gabon to Calabar.
The Base Operations Officer, Lt.-Cdr. Kelechi Ahunanya, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Calabar.
The affected vessel, a Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express, was conveying scrap materials and other logistics when the incident occurred.
Ahunanya said the vessel had 21 persons on board, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians, noting that one crew member remained missing as at the time of this report.
He explained that the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE, while on routine patrol, responded to a distress call received at about 1300 hours.
“On arrival, thick smoke was observed emanating from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations,” he said.
According to the officer, crew members who had abandoned the vessel, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys.
“Crew members who had abandoned ship, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys.
“Twenty crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid,” Ahunanya said.
He added that the Chief Engineer, who reportedly jumped overboard for fear of a possible explosion, was still missing, while search and rescue operations were ongoing.
Ahunanya noted that the rescue operation was supported by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen.
“NNS OSE also deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel,” he added.
The Base Operations Officer reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the safety of seafarers and maritime assets, in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
The Chief of Naval Staff highlighted that NNBTS has consistently fulfilled its mandate of transforming civilians into skilled and competent naval ratings.