Personnel of the Nigerian Navy rescued 20 crew members on Monday, December 22, 2025, after a fire broke out aboard the Motor Vessel (MV) CHIMBA EXPRESS along the Calabar waterways.
The emergency operation began at approximately 1:00 PM when the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE, while on routine sea patrol, intercepted a distress call from the vessel.
Upon arriving at the scene, naval personnel observed a dire situation where several crew members had jumped overboard to escape the flames, while others remained trapped on the ship’s exposed deck.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the rescue was a “swift and coordinated” effort involving multiple units.
”Through a coordinated effort of NN personnel from NNS OSE, Naval Security Station 030, and Forward Operating Base IBAKA, 20 crew members were rescued,” the statement read.
Authorities have confirmed that a total of 21 persons were on board at the time of the incident. While 20 individuals were brought to safety, a search and rescue operation has been launched to locate the final crew member, identified as the ship’s Chief Engineer.
The Navy credited the success of the mission to the strategic direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, noting that the operation reflects the force’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Concerted efforts to locate the missing Chief Engineer are currently ongoing.
