Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In what could have been a major maritime disaster, personnel of the Nigerian Navy have rescued 99 passengers from a sinking market boat following a collision with a barge along the Bukuma River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The ill-fated boat, known as ‘Blood of Jesus’, was conveying traders and goods worth millions of Naira from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru LGA when it collided head-on with a barge named Adam (Damen Buba), around the Tuma axis—just 300 metres from Naval Security Station, NSS 035.
Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Commander Bridget Bebia.
According to Aniaku, the Navy’s swift and coordinated response ensured all 99 passengers onboard were rescued unharmed, and most of their goods were also recovered.
He said, “On 29 April 2025, at about 1055 hours, a barge Adam (Damen Buba), was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route to Akuku-Toru LGA, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.
“The Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder personnel deployed to NSS 035, in collaboration with four Navy gunboats, launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard, despite challenging conditions.
“Due to the fast and organized actions of the rescue team, no fatalities or injuries were recorded,” Aniaku said in the statement.
Commodore Aniaku praised his team’s professionalism and courage, stating, “Our personnel acted swiftly, ensuring the successful rescue of all passengers and preventing a potential maritime disaster. Their exceptional composure and bravery displayed throughout the rescue effort are worthy of commendation.”
He further assured that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all mariners within Nigeria’s waters.
