The Nigerian Navy is in mourning following a tragic boat mishap that resulted in the loss of six lives — three naval personnel and three civilians — all attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta. The victims were returning from a free medical outreach at Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State when the incident occurred.
As of the time of this report, three individuals — Lieutenant D. K. Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member — remain missing. Search and rescue efforts are still underway.
The unfortunate incident happened at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, shortly after the naval team had concluded the first day of a two-day humanitarian mission in the riverine community. The gunboat, identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, reportedly capsized at coordinates LAT 05° 36.408 ‘ N / LONG 005° 11.982’E, directly opposite Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).
The vessel was transporting 15 individuals — nine naval personnel and six civilians, including NYSC members — from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos to their accommodation in the Arunton community when it sank.
Twelve individuals were initially pulled from the water by a swift-response team deployed by the Nigerian Navy. Sadly, six of them—three Navy personnel and three civilians—were confirmed dead upon arrival at the CNL clinic, where they were rushed for emergency care.
By Friday morning, divers had recovered the bodies of Commander J.O. Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye (NYSC), Miss Dorcas (NYSC), and Master Destiny, the boat operator.
At the time of filing this report, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, Commander of NNS Delta, had yet to release an official statement regarding the tragedy.
Earlier on Thursday, the naval medical team had been warmly received at the Okerenkoko community hall in Gbaramatu Kingdom. Commodore Zubairu, represented by Navy Captain Ayi Archibong, Executive Officer of NNS Delta, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to national security and community outreach.
“The Nigerian Navy has the constitutional responsibility to ensure security across the country’s maritime environment. To fulfil this mandate, the Navy engages in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities aimed at building strong and positive relationships with the public,” Commodore Zubairu stated.
The free medical outreach, conducted in partnership with the EMT Foundation, was part of the Navy’s non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges under Operation Delta Sanity II, as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Despite the tragic loss, the outreach program was concluded on Friday in a somber and reflective atmosphere.
