Swift intervention by the Nigerian Navy (NN) last week saved 59 civilians from a drowning dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, around the turbulent Okpobo River in Bonny, Rivers State.
The leader of the operation and Base Operations Officer (BOO) Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, however, paid the supreme price in the course of the operation that lasted 10 hours.
According to The Nation, the dredging vessel which was contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited at Okpobo field was at the risk of sinking near the river entrance when a distress call was made to the Nigerian Navy around midnight of July 29.
Given the dangerous nature of the river, especially during the rainy season, the base upon receipt of the distress call, deployed a rescue team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats.
It was gathered that the rescued party could not approach the distressed boat due to the force of the water and requested another squadron of three boats for reinforcement.
To ensure quick evaluation of all the people onboard the vessel, the navy also deployed NNS GONGOLA while drones and helicopters including one from the Nigerian Air Force were utilized for search and rescue.
While all 59 crew of the dredger were successfully rescued, the leader of the operation slipped and fell into the dangerous river.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, on Friday, confirmed the incident.
He said: “Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer. Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza paid the supreme price.
“He fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024.
“The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.
“Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was a well-trained combat diver whose painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel towards the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered.”
