Timely Naval Intervention Averts Maritime Tragedy
The Nigerian Navy has successfully executed a rescue operation, saving ten crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which was en route to Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The rescue, which took place on Friday, November 7, 2025, was launched after the Navy received a distress call at approximately 2000 hours.
Details of the Rescue Operation
According to a statement released on Monday by the Naval Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered that the vessel was taking in water and was in imminent danger. The team promptly evacuated all ten occupants.
The rescued crew comprised a diverse group: one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians. Following their evacuation, all individuals were taken to FOB IBAKA, where they were received, debriefed, and provided with care until Saturday, November 8, 2025. The Master of MV SEMA III expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its swift and professional response, which undoubtedly prevented a potential disaster.
A Broader Commitment to Maritime Safety
Commodore Adams-Aliu emphasized that this successful mission highlights the Navy's renewed focus under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. The core objectives are to enhance maritime safety, protect critical national assets, and support lawful economic activities within Nigeria's territorial waters.
This incident is part of a series of recent life-saving actions by the Navy. Just days prior, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, personnel from the Forward Operating Base Bonny rescued eleven passengers—six males and five females—from a sinking speedboat on the Bonny River in Rivers State. Their swift action during heavy rainfall averted another major tragedy.
Simultaneously, the Navy has intensified its anti-crude oil theft operations across the Niger Delta. Recent crackdowns have led to the deactivation of multiple illegal refining sites in various locations, including:
- Obodo Omadino Community in Delta State.
- Bakana and Isaka areas in Rivers State.
- Eyamba Community in Bonny LGA, Rivers State.
- Opumani Creek in Warri South LGA, Delta State.
