Naval officers, NYSC members among fatalities of Navy boat accident in Delta

Three Naval officers of the Nigeria Navy, with two serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a civilian, are believed to have lost their lives in a Navy gunboat accident around the Escravos waterway in the Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred just hours after the Navy had conducted a medical outreach in Okerenkoko, a riverine community in theLGA

 The victims were reported to have attended the outreach earlier in the day.

In a trending naval signal and official statement on Sunday, the boat – NNS Delta Epenal gunboat DE 24 – was carrying 15 people; nine naval personnel and six civilians.

 The vessel was en route Arunton community, where the occupants were lodged, when the mishap occurred shortly after 7pm near a Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) facility.

The signal read, “NNS Delta Epenal gunboat DE 24 capsized at POS LAR 05, 36.408 N in front of Chevron Nigeria Limited. The gunboat was conveying 15 persons – nine personnel and six civilians – from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to their hotel accommodation in Arunton community before the incident occurred.

“Thanks to the swift action of a Navy-led search and rescue team, seven naval personnel and five civilians were rescued and immediately taken to the CNL medical facility for treatment. Sadly, three naval personnel and three civilians were later confirmed dead by the attending Chief Medical Officer.

Confirmed Dead  Cdr JO Eidangbe, Naval Commander, PO Abolarinwa – Petty Officer and  OS Tena – Ordinary Seaman, while the corps members are Miss Chineye, Miss Dorcas and Master Destiny and  the Civilian boat driver

Still Missing: Lt DK Nehemiah – Naval Officer, SLT Keala – Sub-Lieutenant and Miss Uche – Corps Member.

The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, triggering various speculations and concern from security experts and the public.

Efforts to recover the remaining three missing persons are said to be ongoing.