The Nigerian Navy has lost one officer after rescuing 59 persons from drowning in turbulent waters.
The incident occurred when a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, working at Okpobo field and contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited met turbulent waters and was at risk of sinking.
The Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, said in a statement that the Navy received the distress call and deployed a rescue team comprising 10 armed personnel in two interceptor boats, led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.
It said 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.
According to the statement, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones and helicopters, and one Nigerian Air Force helicopter were deployed for the search-and-rescue mission.
It said all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, paid the supreme price.