Nigerian Navy Rescues 99 Passengers from Drowning in Ukuma River, Rivers State

Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt have successfully rescued over 99 passengers aboard a local market boat from potential drowning in the Ukuma River, located in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The boat, known as ‘Blood of Jesus,’ was transporting passengers and goods worth millions of naira from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru LGA on Tuesday when it collided with a barge on the river. The impact caused significant structural damage to the boat.

Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, confirmed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Commander Bridget Bebia, Base Information Officer, that no lives were lost in the accident. He also confirmed that most of the passengers’ goods were recovered and are securely stored onboard.

According to the statement, the collision occurred around 10:55 AM on April 29, 2025, at Tuma area, approximately 300 meters from Naval Security Station (NSS) 035 in Degema. The NNS Pathfinder personnel, assisted by four additional Navy Gunboats, launched a coordinated and successful search and rescue operation under difficult conditions. Their swift and organized response ensured that all 99 passengers were safely rescued without injury or fatalities.

Commodore Aniaku praised the personnel for their quick action, noting their bravery in preventing a potential maritime disaster. He commended the team for their exceptional composure during the rescue operation and their prompt response, which helped protect both lives and valuable cargo.

In closing, Commodore Aniaku reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining the security and safety of mariners under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.