The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 10 crew members from the distressed vessel MV SEMA III, which was en route from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea to Calabar, Nigeria.

The rescue operation was confirmed in a statement by Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, on Monday in Abuja.

According to Adams-Aliu, personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka responded swiftly after receiving a distress call around 2000 hours on Friday. A naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was deployed, and upon arrival, the team found the vessel taking in water.

“All occupants, including one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians, were promptly evacuated, debriefed, and catered for at FOB Ibaka until Saturday,” Adams-Aliu stated.

The Master of MV SEMA III expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for the timely intervention and professionalism displayed during the rescue.

Adams-Aliu emphasized that the operation highlights the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.