December 23, 2025
News | SUNTV Global Channel
Twenty crew members narrowly escaped death on Monday after a commercial vessel, MV Chimba Express, caught fire along the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State, triggering a swift rescue operation by the Nigerian Navy.
The vessel, which was conveying scrap materials and other logistics from Gabon to Calabar, reportedly went up in flames while navigating the Calabar axis of the busy waterway, forcing crew members to abandon ship amid fears of a massive explosion.
According to an official statement issued by the Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, the naval patrol vessel NNS OSE was on routine patrol when it received a distress call from the burning ship at about 1:00pm.
“Upon arrival at the scene, naval personnel observed thick smoke billowing from the midship and aft sections of the vessel, prompting immediate rescue and fire-fighting operations,” the statement said.
Crew members who had jumped into the water, as well as others stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys and emergency response equipment. All 20 rescued crew members were administered first aid on the spot.
The vessel was said to have a total crew strength of 21 persons, made up of 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians. However, the ship’s Chief Engineer remains missing.
Lieutenant Commander Ahunanya disclosed that the missing crew member reportedly jumped into the water in fear of an imminent explosion. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate him.
The rescue effort was reinforced by personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, as well as local fishermen who assisted in the emergency response.
NNS OSE also deployed portable pumps in an attempt to contain the fire, which significantly damaged sections of the vessel.
Reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety, Ahunanya said the operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to protect lives, vessels, and critical maritime assets within Nigeria’s territorial waters, in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Related Incident
The incident comes months after a similar maritime fire outbreak in Lagos. In April, at least four passengers sustained injuries when a LagFerry boat, Igbega Eko, suddenly caught fire at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu while en route to Victoria Island.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) confirmed that the injured passengers suffered minor burns and were receiving medical attention. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang moments before the vessel was engulfed in flames, triggering panic among commuters.
