The Nigerian Navy says its Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bonny, has rescued 59 persons from a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, working at Okpobo Field near Okpobo River.
In a statement issued on Friday August 9 in Abuja, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, revealed that the Navy lost an officer, Lt.-Commander Gideon Gwaza, in the operation, adding that the area is known to be turbulent at this time of the year.
According to Adams-Aliu, the dredging vessel was working at Okpobo Field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.
“Accordingly, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer for the rescue operation.
“Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves, and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.
“Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.
“Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Gwaza paid the supreme price,” he added.
He explained that the deceased officer fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of July 29 to 1000 hours on July 30.
