The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has accused a vessel of absconding from Nigerian waters after breaking the leg of a seafarer named Edafe Anthony at a jetty in Port Harcourt Port, Rivers State.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively, President of the Seafarers Branch of MWUN, Comrade Sunday Avoseh, explained that the Union in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are currently searching for the rogue vessel since the incident occurred on the 4th of October 2025.

According to Avoseh, “Edafe Anthony is a member of the Seafarers Branch of the MWUN. He is currently hospitalized at the Rivers State Teaching Hospital where his leg has been amputated due to the severe Injuries.

“The unfortunate incident occurred when Edafe joined his colleagues to assist the vessel to receiving some goods. After completing the task, the crew was preparing to move the boat to prevent it from going aground.

“The captain then instructed the engineers to start the engines and ordered the crew to release the ropes securing the ship. However, the captain allegedly engaged the engine before confirming whether all ropes were released. During this negligent act, a rope trapped Anthony’s leg.

“Despite the crew shouting for the captain to stop, the engine remained engaged, causing severe injuries to Edafe’s leg. Anthony was rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital, but his leg had to be amputated due to the severity of the accident.”

He reiterated that even though the union has not taken medical responsibilities for the affected seafarer, he has been supported financially and the hunt for the vessel is still ongoing.

Avoseh stated that unprofessional conduct of the vessel Captain led to the tragic accident of Comrade Anthony’ Edafe, adding that safety of the crew onboard any vessel should be paramount.

The position of the union is to ensure that we engage the company involved. As we speak, we have yet to identify the owner of the ship or the location of the vessel.

“The vessel has disappeared, and NIMASA is also searching for it. However, the union has sent a representative to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital where the victim is receiving treatment. “So, the union’s position is to ensure that appropriate compensation is paid to the victim, as stipulated by P&I. MWUN and NIMASA are collaborating to ensure that NJIC engages the company for the compensation to be paid,” Avoseh reiterated. (Nigerian Tribune)