Fifty-nine people have been safely rescued from a stranded dredge vessel at the mouth of the Opobo River by personnel of the Forward Operations Base (FOB), Bonny in Rivers State.

The base got a distress call regarding a dredging vessel that was at risk of capsizing at the river mouth, which is usually tumultuous during this time of year, according to a statement released by the spokesman for the Nigerian Navy, Aiwuyor Aliu-Adams.

When the incident occurred, the MV AMBIKA 4 was stationed in the Opobo field and was working under contract with Sterling Global Oil Limited.

Upon receiving the call, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza, the Base Operations Officer, quickly organized a 10 -armed team and deployed them in two interceptor boats aboard the FOB Bonny to rescue the stranded crew.

The statement said, “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.”

In addition, the statement stated that “all 59 crew members were successfully rescued in the end, but Base Operations Officer Gwaza paid the ultimate price.” Other resources used in the search and rescue effort included drones, the Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, one Nigerian Air Force helicopter, and more.

“The loss of Gwaza, who selflessly risked his life to save others, is deeply felt by the Nigerian Navy. He was a skilled combat diver, and his agonizing demise symbolizes the risks and sacrifices made by Nigerian Navy personnel to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain. His devotion and selflessness will never be forgotten.”

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