Nigerian Navy Rescue saves 11 passengers from a sinking speedboat in Bonny River, showcasing courage, quick response, and commitment to maritime safety.
The Nigerian Navy Rescue operation carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, Rivers State, has once again highlighted the Navy’s unwavering dedication to maritime safety.
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, naval operatives successfully saved eleven passengers from a sinking speedboat along the Bonny River.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Base Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, the rescue occurred around 1:00 p.m., near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, while naval personnel were on routine patrol and escort duty.
Despite heavy rainfall and strong river currents, the officers demonstrated professionalism and quick response that prevented what could have been a fatal boat accident.
The ill-fated speedboat, powered by an outboard engine, had departed Nembe Waterside Jetty in Port Harcourt at about 12:50 p.m., en route to Coal Beach Jetty, Bonny Island.
It was carrying 21 passengers when the engine developed a sudden fault, causing massive water leakage. The large number of passengers on board worsened the water ingress, leaving the vessel on the verge of capsizing.
Upon noticing the distress, Nigerian Navy Rescue operatives on patrol quickly mobilized to the scene. The Navy team found terrified passengers screaming for help as water flooded the boat.
“At approximately 1300 hours, our personnel identified a passenger boat taking in water near the Onne general area and immediately launched a rescue operation,” Almustapha explained.
He confirmed that the Nigerian Navy Rescue team successfully evacuated 11 passengers—six males and five females—to reduce the load on the vessel while repairs were being made.
Despite the torrential rain, the officers worked swiftly and efficiently to stabilize the situation, ensuring no lives were lost.
Following the rescue, the passengers were transported safely to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Bonny Jetty, where they were medically assessed and comforted.
The rescued individuals were then taken to NNFOB Bonny Base for debriefing and officially handed over to Assistant Superintendent of Police Friday Nyeche, representing the Marine Police, Bonny, at 3:40 p.m.
Lieutenant Commander Almustapha disclosed that the boat’s mechanical fault was successfully rectified by 3:58 p.m., enabling the driver and the remaining ten passengers to continue their journey to Coal Beach Jetty, Bonny Island, without further incident.
He described the Nigerian Navy Rescue effort as a demonstration of the Navy’s readiness to respond to emergencies and safeguard lives along Nigeria’s coastal routes.
“This operation once again shows our commitment to maritime safety and quick intervention in distress situations,” he stated.
Almustapha emphasized that the Navy remains deeply committed to ensuring safe waterways for lawful economic and commercial activities to thrive.
He credited the successful Nigerian Navy Rescue operation to the proactive measures and leadership direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal).
“The Chief of Naval Staff has consistently directed that our operations focus on ensuring safety, security, and order across Nigeria’s maritime environment,” Almustapha said.
He added that the Navy’s continuous patrols, vigilance, and operational readiness have significantly reduced incidents of boat accidents and criminal activities within the Bonny axis.
The Forward Operating Base, Bonny, has intensified various security operations, including anti-crude oil theft patrols, anti-illegal bunkering, anti-piracy missions, and search and rescue activities.
These coordinated efforts are aimed at promoting maritime safety and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
Almustapha further explained that such operations ensure that legitimate maritime commerce continues unhindered.
“Our presence on the waterways deters criminals and reassures law-abiding citizens that the Navy is always vigilant and ready to protect lives,” he noted.
He reiterated that the Nigerian Navy Rescue team’s performance during the Bonny River incident reflects the Navy’s overall strategy to maintain operational excellence and uphold national security objectives.
Local residents and maritime safety experts have commended the Nigerian Navy Rescue for their bravery and timely response.
Community leaders in Bonny expressed gratitude for the Navy’s intervention, noting that their swift action prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
A Bonny community elder, Chief Tamuno Erekpoma, praised the Navy’s vigilance: “If not for the Navy’s quick response, the story would have been very different. They deserve the community’s appreciation.”
Maritime observers have noted that accidents involving small passenger boats are becoming increasingly frequent due to overloading, poor maintenance, and inadequate safety gear.
The Nigerian Navy’s constant monitoring, patrol, and search and rescue missions have therefore become essential in minimizing such risks and protecting lives on the waterways.
The Bonny rescue has been described as a reflection of the Navy’s core values—courage, professionalism, and dedication. Through operations like this, the Nigerian Navy Rescue team continues to strengthen public confidence in maritime travel and safety enforcement.
Almustapha reaffirmed that the Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“We will sustain our presence on the waterways to ensure that economic activities continue safely and that citizens can travel without fear,” he assured.
As the Navy enhances its surveillance capabilities, logistics support, and personnel training, incidents like the Bonny boat mishap serve as a reminder of the Navy’s vital role in national security.
The success of the Nigerian Navy Rescue in Bonny reinforces the importance of preparedness, swift response, and community cooperation in tackling maritime emergencies.
The Nigerian Navy Rescue of 11 stranded passengers from a sinking boat in Bonny River stands as a testament to the Navy’s enduring commitment to maritime safety.
Through professionalism, courage, and teamwork, naval personnel prevented tragedy and safeguarded lives.
Beyond this incident, the Navy’s continued focus on search and rescue operations, security patrols, and anti-crime missions ensures that Nigeria’s waterways remain safe for citizens and commerce alike.
The courage displayed by the operatives of FOB Bonny reaffirms that the Navy’s mission is not only to defend the nation’s territorial waters but also to serve humanity at its most critical moments.
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