BAYELSA BOAT ACCIDENT: Navy, Local Divers Rescue Commissioner, Six Others As Search Continues For Missing Police Officer
The Nigerian Navy has confirmed the rescue of seven out of eight passengers involved in a boat mishap in Abedigbene waters, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Among the rescued passengers was the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones.
The accident occurred on November 5, 2026, when a passenger boat conveying eight persons from Yenagoa to Akassa reportedly encountered a mishap.
In a coordinated rescue operation, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO worked alongside local divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community to save the passengers.
The Navy disclosed that its personnel were alerted to the incident by a local fisherman and immediately deployed from Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat to the scene to commence search and rescue operations.
The seven survivors comprised the Bayelsa Commissioner, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and five other passengers.
They were subsequently evacuated to the houseboat, where they received first aid treatment. Initial assessments showed that none of the rescued passengers had visible injuries.
However, one passenger, identified as a police officer, is still missing, with naval personnel and other rescuers continuing efforts to locate him.
The Commissioner and the six other survivors were conveyed to Yenagoa on November 6 to reunite with their families.
Commending the personnel involved in the operation, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO praised their prompt intervention and professionalism. He also acknowledged the contributions of local divers and the fishing community.
The operation further demonstrates the importance of cooperation between the Nigerian Navy, local communities and other stakeholders in responding to maritime emergencies and safeguarding lives.
