The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny has rescued 11 passengers from a sinking speedboat along the Bonny River in Rivers State. The rescue, which occurred on Tuesday, around 1:00 p.m., was carried out by armed personnel of FOB Bonny during routine patrols near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne.
Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, said the speedboat, which departed Nembe Waterside Jetty in Port Harcourt at 12:50 p.m. en route to Bonny Island, developed an engine fault that caused water to flood the vessel. The malfunction, he said, was worsened by overloading. “FOB Bonny personnel observed the distressed passenger boat experiencing severe water ingress with 21 passengers onboard.
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Our team promptly intervened, rescuing 11 passengers—six males and five females—to stabilize the vessel,” Almustapha explained. The rescued passengers were safely brought to the base, debriefed, and later handed over to the Marine Police for onward reunion with their families. The boat’s engine was repaired shortly after, allowing the remaining passengers to continue their journey safely.
Almustapha assured that the Navy remains committed to securing waterways and ensuring the safety of river users in the Niger Delta. He said the rescue aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas’s directives to strengthen routine patrols, combat illegal activities, and enhance maritime safety. He reaffirmed that the Navy would continue to safeguard vital maritime routes and promote legitimate economic activities across its operational areas.
