The Okerenkoko community in Warri South-West Local Council of Delta State has been plunged into deep sorrow following a tragic naval gunboat accident that occurred on Thursday evening. The devastating incident resulted in the confirmed deaths of six individuals, comprising three naval personnel and three civilians, while three others remain unaccounted for. This unfortunate mishap unfolded shortly after the naval personnel had concluded the first day of a two-day humanitarian medical outreach, an initiative organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in collaboration with the EMT Foundation, under the framework of the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and Operation Delta Sanity II.

Sources indicated that the naval gunboat, identified as EPENAL DE 24, capsized around 7:45 p.m. at specific coordinates (LAT 05° 36.408’N / Long 005° 11.982’E), directly in front of Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL). At the time of the accident, the vessel was transporting 15 passengers from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos to their designated hotel accommodation in the Arunton community. The manifest included nine naval personnel and six civilians, among whom were members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

A swift and coordinated response from the Nigerian Navy’s search and rescue unit led to the immediate recovery of 12 survivors, who were promptly transported to the CNL clinic for urgent medical attention. However, medical personnel at the clinic later confirmed the fatalities of six persons. These victims were identified as Commander JO Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye (an NYSC member), Miss Dorcas (also an NYSC member), and Master Destiny (the boat driver). Despite extensive efforts, three individuals are still missing: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, another NYSC member. Divers and dedicated rescue teams are actively continuing their comprehensive search operations in the area.

As of the latest reports, an official statement regarding the incident had not yet been issued by the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu. Nevertheless, a senior naval officer has officially confirmed the tragic occurrence, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the ongoing efforts to ascertain the full extent of the accident and locate the missing.