The Bayelsa State Government has reunited two fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe with representatives of their country after they were rescued from Nigerian waters.
The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were formally handed over to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé Embassy, Carlos Moreno, by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, at his country home in Sampou.
The fishermen had reportedly drifted into Nigerian waters after spending about eight days at sea. They were rescued by local fishermen at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking during the handover on Saturday, Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between Bayelsa State and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Diri noted that both areas share the Gulf of Guinea and have strong maritime connections, adding that the incident was another demonstration of the close ties between the people of the two territories.
He disclosed that it was the second time fishermen from São Tomé had been rescued in Bayelsa, recalling a similar incident in Brass Local Government Area in July 2023.
According to the governor, the repeated incidents could partly be linked to weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea. He, however, said Bayelsa’s access to the Atlantic Ocean presents opportunities for stronger maritime cooperation and economic development.
Diri explained that upon receiving news of the fishermen’s rescue, he directed that they be taken to Yenagoa, where they received medical attention at the Government House clinic.
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He also commended the São Tomé government and its diplomatic representatives for their prompt response and cooperation throughout the process.
Receiving the fishermen, Moreno expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government for the care, medical treatment and hospitality provided to them.
The envoy revealed that the rescued fishermen were his relatives, describing the development as further evidence of the strong relationship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Moreno explained that the fishermen drifted towards Bayelsa after the battery powering their GPS device became depleted while they were fishing.
The handover ceremony was attended by officials from both sides, including representatives of the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy and Bayelsa State Commissioners for Marine and Blue Economy and Information, Orientation and Strategy.
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