The Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder, has rescued over 250 individuals, including children, after a cargo boat, MV Precious Emmanuel, capsized along the Buguma waterways in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State on Sunday night.
The boat, loaded with goods worth millions of naira from Sangana in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State and heading to the Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, encountered the accident around 10:30pm.
It was gathered that a team from NNS Pathfinder swiftly responded to a distress call and after observing that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets, the Navy deployed several life-saving items and personnel, leading to the successful rescue of all individuals on board.
The cargo boat carried various items like baskets of smoked fish and crayfish, bunches of plantains, and crates of alcoholic beverages.
10 killed in Benue communities
Missing UniAbuja female student died in accident – Family
Commodore Desmond Igbo, the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, expressed relief that there were no casualties and attributed the positive outcome to the quick response of the Nigerian Navy.
He emphasised the importance of adhering to safety measures, particularly wearing life vests.