The Okerenkoko community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has been thrown into mourning following a tragic incident
involving a Nigerian Navy gunboat that capsized, claiming six lives three naval personnel and three civilians.

According to sources, the incident occurred on Thursday evening, shortly after naval personnel completed the first day of a two-day humanitarian medical outreach in the riverine community.

The outreach, organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in partnership with the EMT Foundation, was part of the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative under Operation Delta Sanity II.

Sources disclosed that the gunboat, EPENAL DE 24, capsized around 7:45 p.m. at coordinates LAT 05° 36.408’N / Long 005° 11.982’E, directly in
front of Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL). The vessel was transporting 15 individuals from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos to their
hotel in the Arunton community when the accident occurred.

Among the passengers were nine naval personnel and six civilians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

A swift response from the Nigerian Navy’s search and rescue team resulted in the recovery of 12 survivors, who were promptly taken to
the Chevron clinic for emergency medical treatment.

Medical personnel later confirmed the deaths of six individuals: Commander J.O. Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman
Tena, Miss Chinenye (an NYSC member), Miss Dorcas (also an NYSC member), and Master Destiny, the boat driver.

However, three individuals remain missing: Lieutenant D.K. Nehemiah,
Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche, another NYSC member. Search and
rescue operations, including divers, are ongoing in the area to locate
them.

As of the time this report was filed, no official statement had been
released by the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu.
However, a senior naval officer has confirmed the unfortunate
incident.