Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Navy has rescued seven persons following a boat collision along waterways in Bayelsa State.
The incident occurred at the Ogboinbiri axis in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and involved a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market boat.
Naval authorities said the accident triggered an immediate search and rescue operation after a distress call was received.
Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh were swiftly deployed to the scene and successfully rescued the victims.
The rescued persons were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
Efforts are ongoing to locate other passengers who may still be missing following the collision.
The Navy said the operation underscores its commitment to safeguarding lives within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
It added that the rescue aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to prioritise both maritime security and humanitarian response.