The Nigerian Navy said it lost an officer after rescuing 59 persons from drowning in rough waters.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, on July 30, 2024, the Nigerian Navy received a distress call from the MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at the Okpobo field chartered to Sterling Global Oil Limited.
Feedback indicated that the vessel was at risk of sinking near the Okpobo River entrance, which is known to be turbulent at this time of year, and that the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY dispatched a rescue team consisting of 10 armed personnel in two interceptor boats, led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.
It stated that attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved difficult due to the ferocity of the waves, therefore another squadron of three boats was deployed to assist the rescue team.
According to the statement, the search-and-rescue mission was carried out by another vessel, the Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones and helicopters, and one Nigerian Air Force chopper.
It reported all 59 crew members were successfully rescued, but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, paid the ultimate price.
