The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which encountered trouble while traveling from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Okay News reports that the rescue operation was announced in a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who confirmed that the incident occurred on Friday.
According to Adams-Aliu, the rescue was carried out by personnel from the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State after receiving a distress call around 8:00 p.m. He said a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed to the scene.
“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants, comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians,” Adams-Aliu explained. “The rescued crew were received, debriefed, and cared for at the Forward Operating Base Ibaka until Saturday.”
The Master of MV SEMA III expressed deep appreciation to the Navy for what he described as a “timely intervention and exceptional professionalism” that prevented loss of lives at sea.
Adams-Aliu further highlighted that the successful operation reflects the Navy’s improved capacity to safeguard maritime routes and protect Nigeria’s national interests.
He said, “The rescue demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime safety, securing national assets, and encouraging lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.”
The Navy’s quick response has been widely commended as another example of its increased operational readiness in addressing maritime emergencies.
In a related development, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, recently approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals across various commands and institutions within the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency in maritime operations.
Observers note that this latest rescue underscores the Navy’s growing reputation for professionalism and its dedication to maintaining safety within the Gulf of Guinea, a region often troubled by piracy and marine hazards.
