Nigerian Navy rescues 59 from distress vessel, loses personnel

The Nigerian Navy (NN) announced that it successfully rescued 59 crew members from a distressed vessel, the MV AMBIKA 4, amid turbulent conditions near the Okpobo River entrance

This was disclosed in a statement made available on Friday to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Friday by the Navy’s spokesperson, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu.

However, the statement also noted that the Service lost an officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, the Base Operations Officer, during the rescue operation.

According to the statement, “On 30 July 2024, the Nigerian Navy received a distress call from MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at Okpobo field, contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.

“It was reported that the vessel was at risk of sinking near the Okpobo River entrance, an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year.

“Accordingly, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY deployed a rescue team comprising 10 armed personnel in 2 Interceptor Boats, led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.

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“Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves, and another squadron of 3 boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team. Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, along with drones, Nigerian Navy helicopters, and a Nigerian Airforce helicopter, were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.

“Eventually, all 59 crew members were successfully rescued, but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, paid the ultimate price. He accidentally fell overboard during the rescue operation, which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight on 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024.”

The statement expressed the Nigerian Navy’s deep sorrow over the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.

It further stated, “Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was a well-trained combat diver, and his painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices made by Nigerian Navy personnel to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain.”

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