Navy Boat Capsizes in Delta: Six Confirmed Dead, Three Still Missing

A Nigerian Navy gunboat tragically capsized in Delta State on Thursday evening, resulting in six confirmed deaths and three individuals still missing. The accident occurred shortly after the first day of a two-day free medical outreach organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta and the EMT Foundation in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

Details of the Incident

The vessel, identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, was transporting 15 occupants—nine Navy personnel and six civilians, including three members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). It was en route from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to a hotel in the Arunton community when it sank around 7:45 p.m., directly opposite a Chevron Nigeria Ltd facility.

Casualties and Ongoing Search

The Navy's search and rescue team successfully pulled 12 individuals from the water, who were then taken to a nearby Chevron clinic. Sadly, medical personnel confirmed the deaths of six people shortly after their arrival.

The deceased have been identified as:

* Commander JO Eidangbe

* Petty Officer Abolarinwa

* Ordinary Seaman Tena

* Miss Chinenye (NYSC member)

* Miss Dorcas (NYSC member)

* Master Destiny (boat's driver)

As of press time, three individuals remain unaccounted for: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, another corps member. Navy divers continued recovery operations on Friday.

 Navy's Outreach and Commitment

Despite the tragic incident, the medical outreach continued as scheduled on Friday in Okerenkoko, albeit with reduced activity and a somber mood. During Thursday's session, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, Commander of NNS Delta, reiterated the Navy’s dedication to **civil-military cooperation (CIMIC)**, stating its constitutional responsibility to ensure security and build positive relationships with the public.

The outreach, providing medical consultation, treatment, and health education, is part of Operation Delta Sanity II, an initiative by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. Residents from surrounding communities expressed their gratitude for the healthcare services, with Pastor Christmas Ikare James, Assistant Secretary of the Okerenkoko community, noting its importance "when basic healthcare is beyond the reach of many."

The Nigerian Navy has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the capsizing as search efforts continue and the Navy and local community mourn those lost.