20 Crew Members Rescued as Nigerian Navy Vessel Responds to Fire Incident in Cross River

A major maritime emergency was narrowly averted on Monday after a vessel caught fire along the Calabar section of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State, prompting a swift rescue operation by the Nigerian Navy.

The Nigerian Navy confirmed that 20 crew members were successfully rescued from the burning vessel, identified as MV Chimba Express, which was travelling from Gabon to Calabar carrying scrap materials and other logistics. The incident occurred in the early afternoon and triggered an urgent response from naval authorities.

According to an official statement from the Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, the naval patrol vessel NNS OSE was on routine patrol when it received a distress call around 1:00 p.m. On arriving at the scene, naval officers were met with thick smoke billowing from the vessel, signaling a serious fire onboard.

Rescue operations began immediately. Crew members who had jumped into the water to escape the fire, as well as those trapped on deck, were pulled to safety using life buoys. All 20 rescued crew members were given first aid on the spot.

The vessel was reportedly crewed by 21 people, made up of 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians. While most were rescued, the Chief Engineer remains missing. He was said to have jumped into the water over fears that the fire could trigger an explosion. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate him.

The rescue operation was reinforced by personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen who assisted in the effort. Naval officers also deployed portable pumps to contain the blaze, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.

Lieutenant Commander Ahunanya reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding lives and maritime assets within the nation’s waterways. He emphasized that the successful rescue underscores the Navy’s readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies at sea, in line with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, attention remains focused on the ongoing search for the missing crew member and ensuring the safety of navigation in the affected waters.