It was a sad day for the Nigerian Navy on the 30th of July, 2024 as Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza was killed while carrying out a rescue operation of 59 persons whose dredging vessel was sinking near Okpobo River entrance in the Niger Delta.
Disclosing this sad development on Friday in Abuja in a statement, the Director of Information (DINFO) Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu explained that Lieutenant Commander Gwaza, who was the Base Operations Officer, fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024.
He stated that, “On July 30, 2024, the Nigerian Navy received a distress call from MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at Okpobo field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.
It was learnt that the vessel was at risk of sinking near Okpobo River entrance, an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year.
As a result, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats led by the late Base Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.
Commodore Adams-Aliu further explained that “Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.
In addition, “another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.
Eventually, it was learnt, “all the 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza paid the supreme price.
“He fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024.
Following this development, the Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.
Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was a well-trained combat diver whose painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel toward the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu while giving more insight into the work ethics of the late Lt Cmdr Gwaza added that his dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered.
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