Two fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe have been rescued by local fishermen at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State after drifting into Nigerian waters and spending about eight days at sea.
The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, reportedly drifted from the territorial waters of São Tomé and Príncipe following difficult weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea and the depletion of their GPS battery.
Their rescue marks the second reported incident involving fishermen from the island nation in Bayelsa waters within three years.
A similar incident occurred in July 2023, when fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe were rescued in Brass Local Government Area and later handed over to the authorities of their country at Government House, Yenagoa.
In the latest incident, the two fishermen were formally handed over on Saturday to the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno, at Sampou, the country home of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.
Officials from São Tomé and Príncipe explained that the fishermen drifted into Nigerian territorial waters after the battery of their GPS device became depleted while they were fishing.
They expressed relief that the two men were found alive, healthy and strong after spending several days at sea.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between Bayelsa State, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Diri described the rescue as another demonstration of the close relationship between the people of Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe, noting that both are connected by the Gulf of Guinea and shared maritime realities.
“This shows you how close Nigeria, Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe are in the Gulf of Guinea,” the governor said.
He noted that all three senatorial districts of Bayelsa have access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing the state’s maritime resources as a major opportunity for economic diversification.
According to him, Bayelsa’s location gives it significant potential in marine trade, fishing, transportation, security and the wider blue economy.
The governor said the humane treatment accorded the fishermen reflected Bayelsa’s respect for human life and commitment to regional solidarity, regardless of nationality.
Diri said he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa and given medical attention at the Government House clinic after receiving reports of their rescue.
He commended the government of São Tomé and Príncipe and its diplomatic representatives for their swift response and cooperation.
“Today, I want to officially hand them over to you, so that we know that the bond between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, and precisely Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.
Responding, Ambassador Moreno expressed appreciation to Governor Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for the care, medical attention and hospitality extended to the fishermen.
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The envoy said the gesture deeply touched him and his government, particularly after discovering that the rescued fishermen were also his relatives.
Moreno described the incident as further evidence that the relationship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe extends beyond geographical proximity.
“This ceremony has taught me very well, in various senses, that we are not just neighbours but also sisters,” he said.
He thanked the governor, the state government and the people of Bayelsa for their intervention and hospitality.
The São Tomé and Príncipe delegation included the Executive Secretary of the embassy, Jerushah Danboyi.
Governor Diri was accompanied by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin; Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; and other government officials.
The rescue has once again highlighted Bayelsa’s strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea and the role of local fishermen in maritime surveillance, emergency response and cross-border humanitarian support.
