Naval officer dies while rescuing 59 people from drowning

A Lieutenant Commander with the Nigerian Navy Gideon Gwaza has lost his life during operations to rescue rescued 59 people from a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, working at Opobo field near Opobo River.

Penpushing reports that Gwaza was member of the crew of Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, on the rescue operation who bravely risked his life to save others and fell overboard accidentally during the operation, which lasted for about 10 hours.

The Director of Naval Information, Naval Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the rescue operation was between midnight of 29 July to 1000 hours on 30 July, adding that all the 59 people were rescued, lamenting that the officer paid a supreme price.

Penpushing further reports that Adams-Aliu in a statement on Friday said the area was known to be turbulent at this time of the year adding that the dredging vessel worked at the Opobo field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.

The statement said it was reported that the vessel was at risk of sinking near Opobo River entrance, an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year, hence, officers were deployed for the rescue operation

“Accordingly, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer for the rescue operation. Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves, and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team’, he said.

“Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission. Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Gwaza, paid the supreme price,” he said.

‘The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.He was a well-trained combat diver whose painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel towards the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” he added.

Penpushing also reports that Opobo channel, in the lower section of Imo River, next to the estuary into the Atlantic Ocean, connects Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

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