By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Navy has rescued the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, and six other passengers following a boat mishap in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on November 5, 2026, when a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa reportedly capsized around Abedigbene waters with eight persons on board.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
He said personnel of the Navy's Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO carried out the rescue operation in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community.
According to him, the operation commenced after a local fisherman raised the alarm over the incident, prompting naval personnel stationed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat to mobilise to the scene.
Those rescued included the commissioner, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and five other passengers.
Folorunsho said the survivors were taken to the houseboat, where they received first aid, noting that preliminary assessments showed no visible injuries.
He, however, disclosed that a police officer who was also aboard the boat remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.
The seven survivors were subsequently conveyed to Yenagoa on November 6 to reunite with their families.
The statement said the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO commended the naval personnel for their swift response and professionalism, while acknowledging the contributions of local divers and members of the host community.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to maritime safety and the protection of lives, stressing the importance of cooperation between security agencies and coastal communities in responding to emergencies.