The Nigerian Navy has rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel, the MV SEMA III, which was en route to Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The navy disclosed this in a statement on Monday. It said that the navy had proven its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea.

The navy stated that the operation was carried out by personnel from 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,” the statement said.

The navy added that the successful rescue operation underscored the Nigerian navy’s renewed efforts to ensure maritime safety, protect critical national assets, and promote lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

(NAN)