A tragic maritime incident struck Delta State on the evening of Thursday, July 3, 2025, when a Nigerian Navy gunboat capsized, resulting in the deaths of six individuals.
Among the victims were three naval personnel, two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and one civilian boat operator.
The ill-fated vessel, identified as the EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, was returning from a humanitarian medical outreach organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in partnership with the EMT Foundation.
The outreach took place in Okerenkoko, within the Warri South-West Local Government Area, and was part of the Navy’s broader civil-military engagement initiative under Operation Delta Sanity II.
According to reports, the boat was ferrying 15 passengers—comprising nine naval personnel and six civilians, including three NYSC members—when it sank at approximately 7:45 p.m.
The gunboat was navigating its way from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to a hotel in the Arunton community. The precise coordinates of the incident were marked at latitude 05° 36.408’N and longitude 005° 11.982’E, in close proximity to a Chevron Nigeria Limited facility.
Following the capsize, the Navy’s search and rescue team promptly launched a recovery operation. Twelve individuals were pulled from the waters and rushed to a nearby Chevron clinic. Unfortunately, medical personnel confirmed the deaths of six people shortly after arrival.
The deceased have been identified as: Commander JO Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye and Miss Dorcas (both NYSC members), Master Destiny, the boat operator.
Three others remain missing as of the latest report. They are: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, Miss Uche, another NYSC corps member.
Efforts to locate the missing individuals have continued, with Navy divers conducting intensive recovery operations on Friday. However, no additional updates had been issued by the Navy at the time of reporting.
While the Nigerian Navy has yet to release an official public statement regarding the accident, the scheduled medical outreach in Okerenkoko proceeded on Friday, albeit under a subdued atmosphere due to the tragic loss.
During Thursday’s outreach, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, Commander of NNS Delta, was represented by Navy Captain Ayi Archibong. He reaffirmed the Navy’s unwavering commitment to civil-military cooperation and public service initiatives.
“The Nigerian Navy has the constitutional responsibility to ensure security across the country’s maritime environment. To fulfil this mandate, the Navy engages in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities aimed at building strong and positive relationships with the public,” he stated.
The outreach offered free medical consultations, treatments, and health education to the residents of Okerenkoko and neighboring communities, many of whom braved the rain to attend.
Despite the tragedy, the programme continued as part of the Navy’s sustained effort to enhance the welfare of coastal populations.
Local leaders also expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Pastor Christmas Ikare James, the Assistant Secretary of the Okerenkoko community, said:
“We’re deeply grateful to the Navy. At a time like this, when basic healthcare is beyond the reach of many, this outreach means a lot to our people.”
As the search for the missing continues, both the Nigerian Navy and the local community mourn the lives lost in this unfortunate incident.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a laudable effort to bridge the gap between the military and civilian populations through humanitarian service.