Navy Rescues 59 Crew Members from Stranded Vessel at Opobo River, Officer Loses Life in Heroic Effort
In a daring and heroic operation, the Forward Operations Base (FOB) in Bonny, Rivers State, successfully rescued 59 individuals from a stranded dredging vessel at the mouth of the Opobo River.
The rescue mission, which took place under treacherous conditions, unfortunately resulted in the loss of one of the Navy’s own.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Navy’s spokesman, Aiwuyor Aliu-Adams, the distress call was received late Wednesday about the vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, which was under contract with Sterling Global Oil Limited and operating in the Opobo field.
The mouth of the Opobo River, notorious for its turbulent waters during this time of the year, posed significant challenges to the vessel, placing the crew in imminent danger.
Upon receiving the distress call, the FOB Bonny quickly mobilized a 10-man armed team in two interceptor boats. The team, led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza, set out immediately to rescue the stranded workers. However, the force of the waves made the approach to the distressed vessel perilous, prompting the dispatch of an additional squadron of three boats to reinforce the rescue efforts.
In an extraordinary show of force and coordination, the Nigerian Navy deployed additional assets, including the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy helicopters, and a Nigerian Airforce helicopter, to ensure the success of the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission. Despite the extreme conditions, all 59 crew members were eventually rescued.
Tragically, the mission came at a high cost. Lieutenant Commander Gwaza, who led the initial rescue effort, lost his life in the line of duty.
The Nigerian Navy, in its statement, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Gwaza, describing him as a well-trained combat diver whose bravery and sacrifice embodied the spirit and dedication of Nigerian Navy personnel.
“The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Navy’s successful rescue operation, despite the loss, underscores the risks and sacrifices made by military personnel in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain.
Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza’s heroism will be etched in the annals of the Nigerian Navy as a testament to the courage and commitment of those who serve.