- By Uzor Odigbo
Two seafarers have been declared missing in a fire incident that occurred about 10 nautical miles off Bonny entrance South South , Nigeria.
The missing sailors, it was gathered, were engaged by ORC Fishing and Food Processing Limited.
The incident occurred on February 6 at about 18.45hrs, shortly after the crew launched out for catch.
It was gathered that the trawler simply identified as” MV ORC IV Lagos” burst into flame, while two out of the ten crew are currently no where to be found two weeks after.
Though the company declined to disclose the names of the missing seafarers, multiple sources disclosed that one of the missing crew was a cook while the other, an able-bodied seaman.
When contacted on Tuesday the General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, ORC Fishing and Food Processing Limited, Mr. Akinsola Amire confirmed that the fire lasted for close to 48 hours, adding that two of the crew are yet to be seen.
Amire also disclosed that families of the missing sailors have been contacted about the incident, pointing out the relevant safety agencies failed to respond to the distress call as at the peak of the fire incident.
While expressing high hopes that the missing sailors are very much alive, he said: “I am stupidly optimistic that the two missing sailors are alive”, adding that the wallet which had the identity card and a thousand naira of one of the missing sailor has been recovered.
He also noted that the Nigerian Navy team came to the rescue barely 24 hours after the incident.
According to him the vessel has been transported back to the company’s operational officer at Kirikiri Phase II for salvaging.
Amire who also doubles as the President Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), said the company is not bothered about the damage of the vessel at the moment, saying that the missing sailors is of major concern to management.
He added that local fisherman in the community where the incident occurred had been contacted to assist the company in anyway possible.
It was also gathered that top executive of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Association had paid a working visit to the company, as way to assist in furtherance to comb the sea in search of the missing sailors
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