The Nigerian Navy has rescued 10 of it crew members from a sinking vessel, MV SEMA III, which was returning to Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

This was disclosed in a statement by Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, on Monday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu outlined that the navy had proven its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea.

He also outlined that the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA on Friday.

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed.

“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday.

“The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and exceptional professionalism,” he stated.

Adams-Aliu explained that, the successful rescue operation underscores the Nigerian navy’s renewed efforts to ensure maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.