By BARBARA KALU, Port-Harcourt –
The Nigerian Navy ship Pathfinder has rescued ninety-nine passengers from a mishap involving a market boat in a headon collision with a barge en-rout Akulu Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, confirmed the development ina statement issued on Wednesday in Port-harcourt.
He noted that the incident happened in Tuma, some three hundred meters away from Naval security station NNS 35 along the Bukuma rivers axis.
According to him, the operatives of NNS Pathfinder deployed to the Naval security station 35 in collaboration with other four Naval gunboats launched a coordinated search and rescue operation; leading to the rescue of all ninety nine passengers on board.
He added that despite the challenging conditions, the operative acted effectively towards the successful rescue of lives and avert maritime disaster in the state.
Commodore Aniaku stressed that the exceptional composure, timely intervention and bravery displayed by the Naval rescue team is worthy of commendation.
He said the Nigerian Navy that under the leadership of incumbent CNS, vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, it will continue to ensure the security and safety of mariners within the nation’s maritime.