The Nigerian Navy has lost one of its gallant officers, Lt Cdr Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who paid the supreme price in a bid to rescue 59 persons from drowning .
The 59 persons were working from a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4 at Okpobo Field near Okpobo River, River State when the incident happened.
A statement by the Naval spokesman, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, said the officer, Lt Cdr Gideon Yashim Gwaza, died while working to rescue the occupants on board the vessel.
Adams-Aliu said the Nigerian Navy on 30 July 2024 received a distress call from MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at Okpobo field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.
According to him, the vessel was at risk of sinking near the Okpobo River entrance, an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year.
Adams-Aliu said the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY subsequently deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer, Lt. Cdr Gwaza, for the rescue operation.
The Naval spokesperson said that attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the raging waves and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.
He added that another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.
“Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza paid the supreme price,” he said
Cdre Adams-Aliu said the officer accidentally fell overboard during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024.
“The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” Adams-Aliu said in the statement
As a veteran. I’m much more concerned about the irreparable loss of the Naval Lt. Commander. However, it became apparent that in a dire security situation of this magnitude, the entire crews ought to put on life jackets wear to protect themselves and prevent this type of incident. I’m of the view that when ever the security forces are armed for national assignment, each of them must wear bulletproof vests for their safety.