The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE on Monday, 22 December 2025, rescued 20 crew members from Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express following a fire incident along the Calabar Channel.
NNS OSE, while on routine patrol, responded to a distress call at about 1300 hours from the vessel, which was en route from Gabon to Calabar with scrap materials and other logistics. The vessel was crewed by 21 persons comprising 14 Nigerians and 7 Cameroonians.
On arrival, thick smoke was observed emanating from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations. Crew members who had abandoned ship, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys. Twenty crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid.
The Chief Engineer, who reportedly jumped overboard due to fear of an explosion, remains missing, and a search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Personnel from Forward Operating Base IBAKA, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen supported the operation. NNS OSE also deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
Speaking on behalf of the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander K. K. Ahunanya, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the safety of seafarers and maritime assets, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Mission.