Officers from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt successfully rescued 99 passengers on Wednesday following a boat accident on the Bukuma River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident occurred when a local market vessel, traveling from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru LGA, collided with a barge mid-river.

Lieutenant Commander Bridget Bebia, the Base Information Officer, released a statement in Port Harcourt quoting Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, the NNS Pathfinder Commander, who confirmed the incident. Commodore Aniaku reported that there were no casualties and most of the passengers’ belongings were retrieved and secured.

The Navy stated that its personnel from NSS 035, supported by four gunboats, conducted a well-coordinated search and rescue operation, ensuring the safety of all 99 passengers. The Navy emphasized that the rapid and organized response of the rescue team prevented any fatalities or injuries.