About six persons, including three naval officers and three civilians, have been confirmed deceased following the capsizing of a Nigerian Navy gunboat in Delta State on Thursday evening, July 4, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after a free medical outreach event in Okerenkoko, located in the Warri South-West Local Government Area. This outreach was organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in collaboration with the EMT Foundation.
The victims had just concluded the first day of a two-day humanitarian mission when the occurrence took place. According to sources familiar with the operation, the vessel, designated as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, was transporting 15 people—nine Navy personnel and six civilians, including three members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The boat was en route from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to a hotel situated in the Arunton community when it capsized at approximately 7:45 p.m. The coordinates of the incident have been reported as LAT 05° 36.408’N and LONG 005° 11.982’E, directly across from a Chevron Nigeria Ltd facility.
A total of 12 persons were rescued from the water by the Navy's search and rescue team and subsequently transported to the nearby Chevron clinic. Medical staff on duty confirmed the fatalities of six individuals shortly after their arrival.
The deceased have been identified as Commander JO Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye, and Miss Dorcas (both NYSC members), along with Master Destiny, the boat’s driver.
Three people remain unaccounted for: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, another corps member. Recovery operations conducted by Navy divers continued on Friday; however, no official updates had been released at the time of this report.
The Nigerian Navy has yet to issue a formal statement regarding this incident. Nevertheless, the outreach activities proceeded as planned on Friday in Okerenkoko, albeit with diminished activity and a somber atmosphere.
“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 said.
The outreach, which provided medical consultation, treatment, and health education, is part of Operation Delta Sanity II, initiated by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Residents from surrounding communities, including Okerenkoko, turned out for the outreach despite rainfall. Pastor Christmas Ikare James, Assistant Secretary of the Okerenkoko community, welcomed the effort.
“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,” he said.
As search efforts continue, the Navy and local community members are mourning those lost in the incident.
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