Nigerian Navy Rescues 7 in Swift Operation After Boat Collision in Bayelsa

The Nigerian Navy has rescued seven persons following a boat collision at the Ogboinbiri waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The incident, which involved a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market boat, triggered an immediate response after a distress call was received. Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH were promptly deployed to the scene to carry out a search and rescue operation.

According to the Navy, the swift intervention of its personnel led to the successful rescue of seven victims, who were subsequently evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. Efforts are ongoing to locate other individuals who may still be missing.

The operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding lives within the country’s maritime domain, in line with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The Navy noted that the latest rescue adds to its growing record of successful search and rescue missions.

These include the rescue of 16 passengers during a sea robbery incident in the Ibaka–Calabar Channel in March 2026, 20 crew members from a burning vessel near Calabar in December 2025, 10 crew members from a distressed vessel in November 2025, and 17 kidnapped victims rescued in October 2025 within Calabar waterways.

Reaffirming its dedication, the Nigerian Navy assured the public of its readiness to continue deploying assets and personnel for prompt response to maritime emergencies in line with global best practices.