A tragic boat accident has claimed the lives of six people, including three Nigerian Navy personnel and three civilians, shortly after a free medical outreach in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The accident happened Thursday evening when a naval gunboat—identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24—capsized around 7:45 p.m. in front of Chevron Nigeria Limited. The team had just completed the first day of a two-day medical outreach in the riverside community as part of the Navy’s civil-military programme.
The ill-fated vessel was transporting 15 passengers—nine naval personnel and six civilians, including NYSC members—from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos to their accommodation in Arunton community when it sank.
A rescue team from the Navy recovered 12 victims from the water, but six were confirmed dead at the Chevron clinic. The deceased were identified as Commander JO Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, Ordinary Seaman Tena, Miss Chinenye and Miss Dorcas (both NYSC members), and Master Destiny, the boat driver.
Three individuals—Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and another corps member, Miss Uche—remain missing as of Friday morning. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Before the tragedy, the Navy medical team had been welcomed warmly at the Okerenkoko community hall. The outreach, done in partnership with EMT Foundation, was part of the Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity II, aimed at bringing healthcare to hard-to-reach communities in the Niger Delta.
Speaking earlier through his representative, Navy Captain Ayi Archibong, Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu had highlighted the importance of community engagement in promoting peace and security.
“The Medical Rhapsody brings healthcare closer to our host communities, which are critical allies in combating insecurity,” he said.
Despite the loss, the outreach was concluded on Friday, but the mood remains heavy in the creeks as both the Navy and local residents mourn the lives lost in service to humanity.
