Nigerian Navy Rescues 20 Crew Members From Burning Vessel Off Calabar

By Missang Akpet 

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 crew members from a cargo vessel, MV Chimba Express, which caught fire along the Calabar section of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State.

The rescue operation was carried out on Monday by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS OSE, following a distress call from the vessel. Chimba Express was en route from Gabon to Calabar, conveying scrap materials and other logistics, when the fire broke out.

Confirming the incident, the Base Operations Officer of NNS VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, said the distress call was received at about 1:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response by NNS OSE. On arrival at the scene, naval personnel rescued crew members who had abandoned the vessel as well as those stranded on deck, using life buoys and other emergency equipment.

According to him, 20 crew members, comprising 14 Nigerians and six Cameroonians, were successfully rescued and administered first aid.

However, the vessel’s Chief Engineer remains missing after reportedly jumping into the water for fear of an explosion. Lieutenant Commander Ahunanya said search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing crew member.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the protection of lives and maritime assets within Nigeria’s territorial waters.