The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT during a search and rescue operation has rescued 12 crew members of a capsized fishing vessel
The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT during a search and rescue operation has rescued 12 crew members of a capsized fishing vessel, LADY BARBARA, belonging to SEABLESS Fishing Company Limited.
The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Bashir Mohammed, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Mohammed said that the crew members were rescued on August 5.
The statement read,
“The Search and Rescue Operation was conducted after they had received a distress call put across to the Base.
“In response to the distress call, the patrol team of the Base, in collaboration with some personnel of the Nigerian Customs, swung into action.
“This led to the rescue of 12 out of the 13 crew onboard the vessel at the entrance to the Lagos Harbour and a search for the missing sailor is still ongoing.”
Mohammed said the accident could possibly be as a result of the failure of the main engine of the fishing vessel and heavy waves.
He also said that the timely intervention of the Base was responsible for saving the lives of the crew.
Stating 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 members have since been handed over to the representatives of SEABLESS Fishing Company Limited, Mr Affa Azeez, and they are undergoing medical treatment.”
Mohammed commended the search and rescue team of the Base for their efforts.
He assured Nigerians of the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo’s commitment towards sustaining the safety and security of lives and property within the country’s Maritime environment, among other constitutional roles.
