On Monday, 22 December 2025, the Nigerian Navy successfully carried out a swift rescue operation to save 20 crew members onboard the Motor Vessel (MV) CHIMBA EXPRESS following a fire incident along Calabar waterways.
According to a statement from the Navy, by Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the operation commenced at about 1:00 pm when Nigerian Navy Ship OSE, while on routine sea patrol, received a distress call from the endangered vessel. Upon arrival at the scene, some crew members had jumped overboard, while others were stranded on the exposed deck.
Nigerian Navy Highlights Leadership in Maritime Rescue Efforts
Through the coordinated efforts of personnel from NNS OSE, Naval Security Station 030, and Forward Operating Base IBAKA, all 20 crew members were rescued. A search operation is ongoing for the Chief Engineer, who remains missing. It was confirmed that there were only 21 persons onboard MV CHIMBA EXPRESS at the time of the incident.
The Navy emphasized that the successful rescue reflects the visionary leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal). The statement noted that his vision is “to develop a modern, agile and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.”
The Nigerian Navy continues its search for the missing Chief Engineer while maintaining its commitment to the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
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