Navy rescues 20 crew members as vessel catches fire in Cross River

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 crew members from a burning vessel along the Calabar section of the OronCalabar waterways in Cross River State. The rescue was carried out on Monday, December 22, 2025 by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS OSE, following a distress call from Motor Vessel MV Chimba Express, which was en route from Gabon to Calabar carrying scrap materials and other logistics The Base Operations Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, who disclosed this in a statement to punch on Tuesday, NNS OSE was on routine patrol when it received the distress call at about 1:00 pm. According to the statement, upon arrival at the scene, thick smoke was observed billowing from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations by naval personnel Crew members who had abandoned the vessel, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys, the statement read. It added that 20 crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid. The vessel was said to be crewed by 21 persons, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians. Ahunanya noted that the Chief Engineer of the vessel, who reportedly jumped into the water for fear of an explosion, remains missing, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing It further disclosed that personnel from Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen supported the rescue operation. It also said that NNS OSE deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel. Ahunanya reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to the safety of seafarers and the protection of maritime assets within Nigerias waters, in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff.