The Nigerian Navy demonstrated its rapid response and commitment to maritime safety on Friday, 7 November 2025, by rescuing ten crew members from a distressed vessel off the Calabar coast.
Personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka acted swiftly after receiving a distress call around 8:00 p.m. The naval team deployed a gunboat equipped with a submersible pump to the location, where they found the MV SEMA III taking on water while en route from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to Calabar.
The rescued crew included eight Nigerians, one Cameroonian, and one Equatorial Guinean. All were safely evacuated, debriefed, and provided with care at FOB Ibaka until Saturday, 8 November. The vessel’s master expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for their timely intervention and professionalism.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Naval Director of Information, the operation reflects the Navy’s enhanced readiness and dedication to protecting lives at sea. Under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Nigerian Navy continues to prioritize maritime safety, safeguard critical national assets, and promote lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
