A devastating gunboat mishap has shaken the Nigerian Navy and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) following the death of six individuals—including two corps members, three naval personnel, and a civilian—along the Escravos waterway in Warri South West LGA, Delta State.
The tragic incident occurred Thursday evening, just hours after a Navy-led medical outreach in the nearby Okerenkoko community. The victims, part of a 15-person team aboard the ill-fated NNS Delta Epenal gunboat DE 24, were returning to their base in Arunton community when the vessel capsized near a Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) facility shortly after 7:00 p.m.
According to official sources, the boat carried nine naval personnel and six civilians, including corps members and a civilian boat operator.
Of the 15 passengers:
- 12 were rescued by a Navy-led team and taken to the CNL medical facility
- Six were later confirmed dead
- Three remain missing, including a corps member and two naval officers
Confirmed Dead:
- Cdr JO Eidangbe – Naval Commander
- PO Abolarinwa – Petty Officer
- OS Tena – Ordinary Seaman
- Miss Chineye – Corps Member
- Miss Dorcas – Corps Member
- Master Destiny – Civilian boat driver
Still Missing:
- Lt DK Nehemiah – Naval Officer
- SLT Keala – Sub-Lieutenant
- Miss Uche – Corps Member
The cause of the incident remains unclear, although naval sources suspect the boat may have struck a submerged object. The Navy has yet to release a conclusive statement on the cause.
Security analysts and concerned citizens have called for a transparent investigation and renewed scrutiny of naval operational safety in riverine zones.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities race against time to locate the missing.
