The Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 20 crew members from a vessel that caught fire along the Calabar section of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State.

The incident involved the Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express, which was en route from Gabon to Calabar carrying scrap materials and other logistics. The rescue operation was conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE following a distress call.

Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, Base Operations Officer of NNS Victory, said the vessel’s crew abandoned ship upon noticing thick smoke, prompting immediate rescue efforts. Life buoys were used to save crew members stranded on deck. Of the 21 crew aboard—14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians—20 were successfully rescued and given first aid.

“The Chief Engineer reportedly jumped into the water fearing an explosion and is still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing,” Ahunanya added.

The operation involved personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen. NNS OSE also deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.

Ahunanya reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding seafarers and maritime assets in Nigeria’s waters, in line with the mission of the Chief of Naval Staff.

In a similar incident, four passengers were injured in April when a LagFerry boat, Igbega Eko, caught fire at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu while en route to Victoria Island. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, prompting commuters to scramble for safety.