By DESMOND EJIBAS

The Nigerian Navy troops have rescued 99 passengers from drowning, following a boat accident at the Bukuma River in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, announced the development in a statement issued by the Base spokesperson, Lt.-Cdr. Bridget Bebia, on Wednesday.

He explained that the wooden boat, named ?Blood of Jesus,? was carrying both passengers and goods from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru LGA when it collided with a barge.

?The barge, Damen Buba, had a head-on collision with the ?market boat? en route to the Akuku-Toru area, resulting in significant structural damage to the boat.

?The incident occurred on April 29 at about 10:55 a.m. in the Tuma area, about 300 meters from Naval Security Station 035, Degema LGA, Rivers,? he stated.

Aniaku reported that upon receiving a distress call regarding the passengers in danger of drowning, the Navy promptly deployed four gunboats to carry out a search and rescue operation.

?Troops swiftly arrived at the scene of the collision and successfully rescued all 99 passengers from the river, despite the challenging conditions faced during the operation.

?Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were recorded during the rescue,? he added.

The naval commander commended the personnel involved for their bravery and professionalism in rescuing all the passengers aboard the ill-fated boat.

He attributed the successful rescue to the prompt intervention and skilled handling of the situation by the naval forces.

?We are grateful that no lives were lost in the accident, and that passengers? goods and property were recovered.

?The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of mariners within the nation?s maritime domain,? Aniaku assured. (NAN)

?PHOTO: Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Pathfinder during the rescue of 99 passengers from drowning after a wooden boat accident on the Bukuma River in Degema area of Rivers on Wednesday. (NAN PHOTO)

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