National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By: Okosun Dennis
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has rescued 12 crew of a capsized fishing vessel named LADY BARBARA belonging to SEABLESS Fishing Company Limited.
The Search and Rescue Operation was conducted following a distress call put across to the Base on Thursday, 5 August 2021 about 2115.
In response to the distress call, the patrol team of the Base in collaboration with some personnel of Nigerian Customs swung into action leading to the rescue of 12 out of the 13 crew onboard the vessel at the entrance to Lagos Harbour.
Narrating the unfortunate incident, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Bashir Mohammed, in a signed statement confirmed that failure of the main engine of the fishing vessel and heavy waves led to the mishap.
He added that the timely intervention of the Base was responsible for saving the lives of the crew. The Commander also stated that the Nigerian Navy in conjunction with the Company and other relevant agencies are conducting necessary investigations to unravel why the vessel capsized.
The rescued crew have been handed to over to the representatives of SEABLESS Fishing Company Limited, Mr Affa Azeez, and are undergoing medical treatment while a search for the missing sailor is still ongoing.
Commodore Mohammed whilst commending the search and rescue team of the Base reassured Nigerians of the Chief of Naval Staff’s commitment towards sustaining her constitutional roles which includes the safety and security of lives and property within Nigeria’s Maritime environment.
