The Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza, tragically lost his life during a rescue operation in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, it was revealed that the rescue mission successfully saved 59 individuals from a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, which was on the verge of sinking near the Okpobo Field, close to the Okpobo River.
According to Commodore Adams-Aliu, the operation was a joint effort involving the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. The Nigerian Navy deployed a rescue team from its Forward Operating Base in Bonny, consisting of 10 armed personnel led by Lieutenant-Commander Gwaza. The team embarked on the mission using two interceptor boats.
Despite the team’s efforts, the operation was hampered by strong waves, necessitating the reinforcement of the rescue mission with three additional boats. The situation also prompted the deployment of the Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, and helicopters from both the Navy and the Air Force.
The operation, which lasted approximately 10 hours from midnight on July 29 to the morning of July 30, 2024, successfully rescued all 59 crew members aboard the distressed vessel. However, Lieutenant-Commander Gwaza tragically fell overboard during the operation and lost his life.
“The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant-Commander Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others,” Commodore Adams-Aliu stated. He highlighted Gwaza’s skills as a well-trained combat diver and emphasized that his untimely death underscores the inherent risks and sacrifices faced by Nigerian Navy personnel in their efforts to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” Adams-Aliu added.
