In a remarkable demonstration of professionalism, operational readiness, and decisive leadership, the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, successfully rescued 20 crew members of Motor Vessel (MV) CHIMBA EXPRESS along Calabar Channel, following a fire outbreak.
The Command under the strategic leadership of the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral CD Okehie, carried out the rescue operation on Monday, 22nd December 2025.
It was learnt that the Nigerian Navy Ship OSE from the Eastern Fleet, had engaged on a routine patrol in line with the operational directives of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, responded swiftly to a distress call received about 1300 hours from the distressed vessel.
The vessel, MV CHIMBA EXPRESS, was enroute Calabar from Gabon, and conveying scrap materials and other logistics, with a total of 21 persons made up of 14 Nigerians and 7 Cameroonians.
On arrival at the scene, NNS OSE observed heavy smoke emanating from the vessel, prompting immediate and well-coordinated rescue operations.
In a display of courage and professionalism, naval personnel rescued crew members who had abandoned the ship as well as those stranded on the weather deck.
Twenty crew members were successfully evacuated and promptly administered first aid.
The Chief Engineer of the vessel, who reportedly jumped into the water due to fear of an explosion, remains missing, and a comprehensive search and rescue operation is ongoing.
The rescue operation, which involved several units of the NN around the Eastern axis as well as local fishermen exemplified effective coordination towards responding to emergencies and safety of lives at sea.
However, the arrival of the Naval team contained the fire to the midship and aft sections of the vessel, and prevented it from speeding to the foxle of the ship were material and logistics were stored.
The FOC’s timely deployment of naval assets further averted a catastrophic incident as the fire was contained from engulfing the items at the foxle of the ship.
Speaking on behalf of the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander KK Ahunanya, commended the gallantry and professionalism of the officers and men involved, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety, security, and protection of lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime domain, in line with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff and the operational leadership of Rear Admiral CD Okehie.
This successful rescue once again underscores the readiness, responsiveness, and humanitarian focus of Eastern Naval Command, reinforcing public confidence in the Service’s ability to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.
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