Personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, working alongside local divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community, have rescued seven passengers following a boat accident in the waters around Abedigbene, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The incident occurred on November 5, 2026, involving a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa.
The rescue operation commenced after a local fisherman alerted the naval personnel deployed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat to the boat mishap. Acting swiftly on the distress report, FOB FORMOSO personnel mobilised to the scene and launched an immediate search and rescue operation, working closely with experienced local divers and members of the host fishing community to locate the passengers.
The coordinated intervention led to the successful rescue of seven out of the eight persons reportedly aboard the ill-fated boat. Among those rescued were the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr EBIERI JONES, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and five other passengers. However, a police officer who was also aboard the vessel remains missing.
Upon their arrival at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, the rescued passengers were immediately given first aid and subjected to preliminary medical assessments. Fortunately, no visible injuries were observed among the survivors. Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts have continued to locate the missing police officer, with naval personnel and local divers maintaining their operations in the affected waters.
In a follow-up development on November 6, 2026, Dr EBIERI JONES and the six other rescued passengers were transported to Yenagoa, where they were reunited with their respective families. The development brought relief to their loved ones, although efforts to find the missing police officer remained ongoing.
The Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO commended the naval personnel for their swift response, professionalism and dedication, noting that their timely intervention was instrumental to saving the lives of the passengers. He also praised the local divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community for their invaluable assistance, stressing that effective collaboration between security agencies and host communities remains critical to emergency response and maritime safety.
The successful rescue operation further underscores the operational readiness, vigilance and commitment of FOB FORMOSO to protecting lives and ensuring safety within its area of responsibility. The Base reiterated its resolve to strengthen cooperation with coastal communities, promote maritime security and respond promptly to emergencies across Bayelsa’s waterways.