Navy rescues 59 oil workers, loses officer in vessel mishap

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Navy has lost one of its personnel, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, during a rescue operation to save 59 oil workers from drowning in turbulent sea, offshore the coast of Rivers State.

According to Navy Spokesman, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the rescue operation was launched on July 30, 2024, after a distress call was received from MV Ambika 4, a dredging vessel working at Opobo field, contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.

Adams-Aliu in a statement sighted by our correspondent noted that the vessel was at the risk of sinking near Opobo River entrance, an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year.

He said the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny deployed a rescue team comprising 10 armed personnel in two interceptor boats led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.

According to him, despite the challenging conditions, the Nigerian Navy successfully rescued all 59 crew members, but Lieutenant Commander Gwaza accidentally fell overboard during the operation and lost his life.

“Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.

“Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship Gongola, drones, Nigerian Navy helicopters, and one Nigerian Air Force helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.

“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 July 29 2024, to 10 a.m. on July 30, 2024.”

The Nigerian Navy described Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza, as a well-trained combat diver who bravely risked his life to save others, noting that his dedication and sacrifice will be remembered forever.

“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.”