The Nigerian Navy has rescued Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mrs Ebiere Jones, and six other passengers following a boat accident in the waters of Abedigbene, Brass Local Government Area of the state.
However, a police officer who was among the eight people travelling in the boat remains missing, as search and rescue operations continue.
The rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, stationed at the Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, with support from local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.
The Navy disclosed the development in a statement issued by its Base Information Officer, SLT Joshua Dauda, and made available to journalists in Yenagoa on Friday.
According to Dauda, the operation began after a local fisherman raised an alarm over the accident involving a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa on Thursday.
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He explained that naval personnel immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving the distress call and commenced rescue efforts.
Seven of the eight people aboard the vessel were successfully rescued. They included Commissioner Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and five other passengers.
Dauda said the survivors received first aid at the houseboat after being brought to safety. Initial medical examinations also showed that none of them had visible injuries.
The commissioner and the six other survivors were subsequently transported to Yenagoa on Friday to reunite with their families.
Reacting to the operation, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Capt. Sunday Haruna, commended the naval personnel for their prompt response and professionalism.
He also appreciated the local divers and members of the fishing community for assisting with the rescue operation.
Haruna said their involvement demonstrated the importance of cooperation between security agencies and host communities during emergencies.
He further assured residents that the Navy would continue working to improve maritime safety, protect lives and strengthen its relationship with communities within its area of operation.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to locate the missing police officer.
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