Nigerian Navy Mourns Loss Of Six In Delta Gunboat Tragedy.
A devastating incident has struck the Nigerian Navy, as a gunboat, identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, capsized on Thursday evening in the waterways of Escravos, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State. The tragedy claimed the lives of six individuals, including three naval officers and three civilians, with three others still missing. The Nigerian Navy has launched an investigation to uncover the cause of the mishap, which occurred during a routine operation following a humanitarian outreach.
The incident took place at approximately 7:45 pm on 3 July, at coordinates LAT 05° 36.408’N, LONG 005° 11.982’E, directly in front of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s facility in Escravos. The gunboat, carrying 15 personnel and civilians, was en route to a nearby naval formation after concluding the first day of a two-day free medical outreach in Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu Kingdom. The medical mission, led by a team from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, had been warmly received by the community, with Commander Abdulazeez Zubairu, represented by Navy Captain Ayi Archibong, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to national security and community engagement.
A swift search and rescue operation was mounted, recovering 12 individuals from the water. Six survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s clinic in Escravos. Tragically, three naval personnel, including a commander, two National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving at NNS Delta, and a civilian driver were confirmed dead by the clinic’s chief medical officer. Search efforts continue for the three missing individuals, with the Navy and local authorities working tirelessly to locate them.
The Nigerian Navy has expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the incident as a profound tragedy. A statement from NNS Delta highlighted the bravery and dedication of the personnel involved in the medical outreach, which had aimed to provide vital healthcare services to the Okerenkoko community despite challenging weather conditions. Social media posts on X have echoed the grief, with users expressing condolences and calling for improved safety measures for naval operations in Nigeria’s waterways.
This incident follows recent efforts by the Nigerian Navy to combat oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta, with operations like Delta Sanity II yielding significant results, including the deactivation of illegal refining sites and the seizure of stolen crude oil. The loss of personnel underscores the risks faced by naval forces in the region’s complex and often treacherous waterways.
As the investigation into the capsizing continues, the Nigerian Navy has pledged to support the families of the deceased and missing, while ensuring that the survivors receive the best possible care. The thoughts of the nation are with those affected by this heartbreaking event, as the Navy vows to honour the memory of its fallen personnel through continued service to Nigeria’s maritime security and community welfare.
