Nigerian Navy rescues seven passengers, police officer missing following boat mishap in Bayelsa

The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community, has rescued seven passengers following a boat mishap in the waters around Abedigbene, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, which reportedly had eight people on board.

He said the survivors were taken to the houseboat, where they received first aid, with preliminary assessments indicating that none had sustained visible injuries.

Folorunsho, however, disclosed that one passenger, identified as a police officer, remained missing. 

“The Nigerian Navy, through personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of Abedigbene Fishing Community, has rescued seven passengers following a boat mishap around Abedigbene waters in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on 5 November 2026,” the statement read.

"The incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, which reportedly had eight persons on board.

"Following a distress report from a local fisherman, personnel deployed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat promptly mobilised to the scene and commenced search and rescue operations with the support of local divers and community members. 

"The rescued passengers included the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and five other passengers. 

"The survivors were taken to the houseboat, where they received first aid, with preliminary assessments indicating no visible injuries.

"However, one passenger, identified as a police officer, remains missing, while search and rescue efforts continue to locate the officer. 

"On 6 November 2026, the Commissioner and the six other survivors were conveyed to Yenagoa to reunite with their respective families.

"The operation highlights the Nigerian Navy's commitment to maritime safety, protection of lives and prompt response to emergencies within its area of responsibility. 

"The Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, commended the personnel for their prompt response and professionalism, while acknowledging the invaluable support of the local divers and host community. 

“The successful rescue further underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and coastal communities in strengthening maritime safety and protecting lives.