Nigerian Navy Saves 20 Crew Members as Cargo Vessel Bursts into Flames in Cross River
The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 20 crew members after a cargo vessel caught fire along the Calabar corridor of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State. The incident occurred on Monday when the Motor Vessel MV Chimba Express, en route from Gabon to Calabar with scrap materials and other logistics, raised a distress alarm.
The rescue was carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE, which was conducting a routine patrol in the area. The distress call was received at about 1:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response. According to the Base Operations Officer of NNS VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, naval officers sighted heavy smoke emanating from the vessel on arrival and swiftly launched rescue operations.
Some crew members had already abandoned the vessel, while others were trapped on deck. They were rescued using life buoys, and first aid was promptly administered. The vessel reportedly had 21 crew members on board, including 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians. The Navy disclosed that the Chief Engineer, who allegedly jumped into the water to escape a possible explosion, is still unaccounted for, as search and rescue efforts continue.
The operation was supported by personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen. To contain the blaze, the Navy deployed portable firefighting pumps, as the fire had spread to the midship and aft sections of the vessel. Lieutenant Commander Ahunanya reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to safeguard lives and maritime assets within the nation’s territorial waters.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident earlier this year, four passengers were injured in April when a LagFerry boat, Igbega Eko, caught fire while heading to Victoria Island. The fire broke out around 6:45 a.m. at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, Lagos State, sparking panic among commuters. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) confirmed that the victims sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention, following reports of a loud explosion before the vessel was consumed by flames.