The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 20 crew members from the motor vessel Chimba Express following a fire that broke out near the Calabar Channel entrance close to Ibaka on December 22, 2025. The Navy received a distress call about the fire around 1:00 p.m. and deployed its gunboats, reaching the site in approximately 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, the Navy rescued all but one crew member, who jumped overboard before help arrived. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate him. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the engine room.
Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya emphasized the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and prompt emergency response. He recalled previous rescues that demonstrate their dedication to protecting lives at sea. One of the rescued crew members noted that the fire began around 12:45 p.m., and the Navy’s gunboat worked closely with the vessel’s crew to manage the situation.
The rescued crew members are currently receiving medical evaluation at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital before being handed over to the Nigerian Ports Authority. A security boat has been deployed to monitor the vessel’s remains at sea, ensuring continued safety in the area.
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