Chief Engineer of the vessel, who reportedly jumped into the water for fear of an explosion, is still missing, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 crew members from a vessel that caught fire along the Calabar section of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State.
The rescue operation was carried out on Monday by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS OSE, following a distress call from Motor Vessel MV Chimba Express, which was en route from Gabon to Calabar with scrap materials and other logistics.
According to a statement issued by the Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, NNS OSE was on routine patrol when it received the distress call at about 1:00pm.
The statement said that upon arrival at the scene, thick smoke was seen billowing from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue efforts by naval personnel.
“Crew members who had abandoned the vessel, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys,” the statement read.
It added that 20 crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid. The vessel was said to be crewed by 21 persons, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians.
Ahunanya noted that the Chief Engineer of the vessel, who reportedly jumped into the water for fear of an explosion, is still missing, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The statement further disclosed that personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen supported the rescue operation.
It also said NNS OSE deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
Ahunanya reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to the safety of seafarers and the protection of maritime assets within Nigeria’s waters, in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
In a similar development, four passengers were injured in April when a LagFerry boat, Igbega Eko, suddenly caught fire while en route to Victoria Island.
Bellnews gathered that the incident occurred around 6:45 AM at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, causing panic among commuters.
According to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), four passengers sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud bang before the vessel was engulfed in flames, forcing passengers to scramble for safety.