By Philip Nwosu
Ten crew members were rescued from a sinking fishing trawler by the operatives of the Nigerian Navy attached to NNS BEECROFT in Western Naval Command, on Monday.
The fishing trawler christened OLOKUN XII capsized within the Lagos channel in the early hours of Monday.
A statement from the spokesperson of the force in Western Naval Command, Commander Edward Yeibo, said the capsized trawler OLOKUN XII was being towed by its sister trawler OLOKUN IV within the Lagos channel when the vessel collided with a merchant vessel, MSC CORUNA, leading to the capsize of the fishing trawler OLOKUN XII.
He said: “The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, on Monday, November 7, 2022, rescued 10 crew members from a fishing trawler christened OLOKUN XII, which capsized within the Lagos channel in the early hours of November 7, 2022.
“Notably, the capsized trawler OLOKUN XII was being towed by its sister trawler OLOKUN IV within the Lagos channel when the vessel collided with a merchant vessel MSC CORUNA, leading to the capsize of the Fishing Trawler OLOKUN XII. Fortunately, NNS BEECROFT patrol team were on routine patrol, which led to the prompt rescue of 10 crew members from the trawler. Thereafter, the rescued crew were handed over to the officials of the company, named Barnaly Fishing Company Limited.
“While commiserating with the fishing company, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore Malami Haruna, used the opportunity to urge sea-farers to navigate with caution and due consideration to the international regulation for prevention of collision when transiting within the nation’s maritime domain.
“He further stressed the commitment of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (CFR), towards ensuring the security of all seafarers within Nigeria’s maritime space.”