Nigerian Navy Rescues 7 in Swift Operation After Boat Collision in Bayelsa
The Nigerian Navy has rescued seven persons following a boat collision along 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 search and rescue response after a distress call was received. Personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH were promptly deployed to the scene, where their swift intervention led to the successful rescue of the victims.
The rescued individuals were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while efforts are ongoing to locate other missing persons.
The Navy said the operation reflects its commitment to the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which emphasizes not only maritime security but also the protection of lives within Nigeria’s waterways.
It also noted that the rescue adds to a series of successful operations carried out in recent months, including 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 in October 2025.
The Nigerian Navy reassured the public of its readiness to continue deploying assets and personnel for rapid response to maritime emergencies in line with global best practices.
A statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore AA Folorunsho, and made available to Core Reporters on Monday said
