Delta: Navy gunboat accident kills 3 personnel, 2 corps members, 1 other
A boat mishap along the Escravos waterway in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has claimed the lives of six individuals, including two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), three Nigerian Navy personnel and a civilian.
The incident occurred last Thursday shortly after a Navy medical outreach programme in Okerenkoko, a riverine community in the area. Many of the victims participated in the outreach earlier in the day.
As of the time of reporting, three individuals — two naval officers and one corps member — remained missing, while search and rescue operations were ongoing.
According to an official Navy communication, the vessel involved — the NNS Delta Epenal gunboat DE 24 — was transporting 15 persons, comprising nine naval personnel and six civilians, from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to their lodging in Arunton community when the accident occurred at about 7:00 p.m., near a Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) facility.
“NNS Delta Epenal gunboat DE 24 capsized at POS LAR 05, 36.408 N in front of Chevron Nigeria Limited. The gunboat was conveying 15 persons – nine personnel and six civilians – from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to their hotel accommodation in Arunton community before the incident occurred,” the naval communication read.
A Navy-led rescue team swiftly responded to the scene, successfully saving seven naval personnel and five civilians, who were then taken to the CNL medical facility for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, six people were later confirmed dead by the attending Chief Medical Officer.
The deceased include Cdr JO Eidangbe – Naval Commander, PO Abolarinwa – Petty Officer, OS Tena – Ordinary Seaman, Miss Chineye – Corps Member, Miss Dorcas – Corps Member, Master Destiny – Civilian boat driver.
Those still missing are Lt DK Nehemiah – Naval Officer, SLT Keala – Sub-Lieutenant and Miss Uche – Corps Member.
Authorities continue to intensify efforts in locating the missing persons as investigations into the cause of the accident are expected to follow.
