By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy on Monday, 22 December 2025, carried out a swift and well-coordinated rescue operation that saved the lives of 20 crew members onboard Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express following a fire outbreak along the Calabar waterways.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adams Aliu, disclosed that the successful rescue operation commenced at about 1:00 p.m. when Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE, while on routine sea patrol, received a distress call from the endangered vessel. He explained that naval personnel immediately moved to the scene upon receiving the alert.
According to Commodore Aliu, on arrival at the location of the incident, it was observed that the situation had become critical, with some crew members having jumped into the water to escape the raging fire, while others were stranded on the exposed deck of the vessel. He noted that through a coordinated and professional effort involving personnel of NNS OSE, Naval Security Station 030 and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, 20 crew members were successfully rescued from the distressed vessel.
“The coordinated response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that 20 crew members were rescued alive,” the Naval spokesperson stated, adding that a search and rescue operation was immediately initiated for one remaining person, identified as the Chief Engineer of the vessel. He further confirmed that there were a total of 21 persons onboard MV Chimba Express at the time of the incident.
While efforts remain ongoing to locate the missing Chief Engineer, the Nigerian Navy described the operation as a clear demonstration of its preparedness and operational effectiveness in responding to maritime emergencies. Commodore Aliu подчеркed that the outcome of the rescue underscores the Navy’s commitment to the safety of lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He also attributed the successful operation to the leadership and strategic direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), whose vision, he said, is focused on building “a modern, agile and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.”
The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its resolve to sustain vigilance across the nation’s waterways and continue prompt responses to distress situations, while urging maritime operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations to prevent avoidable incidents at sea.
