Navy rescues teenagers from drowning in Bayelsa

By Kennedy Sheyin

The Nigerian Navy has rescued two teenagers, both male, from drowning after their boat capsised in Egweama Community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Folorunsho, the rescue was made by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO.

He said that the incident occurred when the two boys, both aged 16, encountered difficulties while returning from a routine trip within the community waterways after their wooden boat capsised due to adverse water conditions on Tuesday.

“The teenagers were stranded and at risk of drowning. On sighting the distressed victims, personnel of FOB FORMOSO responded swiftly and successfully rescued the two teenagers, evacuating them to safety. The rescued boys were thereafter provided with the necessary assistance and medical attention to ascertain their condition,” he said.

The director of naval information said that the successful rescue reflected the professionalism and operational readiness of navy personnel in safeguarding lives within the nation’s maritime environment.

He said it also underscored the navy’s enduring commitment to maritime safety, search and rescue operations, as well as protection of lives in coastal and riverine communities.

“Additionally, it highlights the service’s continued efforts to foster strong relationships with host communities through responsive and people-oriented operations”, he said.

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all legitimate users of Nigeria’s waterways while sustaining its mandate of securing the nation’s maritime domain.

NAN