In a heroic night-time rescue operation, the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder saved over 250 people, including children, after their cargo boat, MV Precious Emmanuel, capsized in the Buguma waterways of Asari-Toru LGA, Rivers State.
The incident occurred around 10:30 pm on Sunday.
The vessel, laden with goods including smoked fish, crayfish, plantains, and crates of alcoholic beverages, was en route from Sangana in Brass LGA, Bayelsa State, to the Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt when the disaster struck.
Upon receiving a distress call, a swift response team from NNS Pathfinder was dispatched to the scene. The rescuers found that none of the passengers had been wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. The navy promptly deployed life-saving equipment and personnel, managing to rescue everyone aboard the capsized vessel.
Commodore Desmond Igbo, Commander of NNS Pathfinder, reported the successful operation to the press in Port Harcourt. He highlighted the absence of any casualties and credited the navy’s rapid response for the positive outcome. Commodore Igbo also stressed the critical importance of safety measures, particularly the use of life vests, in preventing maritime accidents.
