Nigerian Navy Rescues 10 Crew Members from Sinking Vessel MV SEMA III

Ten crew members have been rescued by the Nigerian Navy from the MV SEMA III, a distressed vessel traveling from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to Calabar.

Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, confirmed the operation on Monday in Abuja, noting that the swift response underscores the Navy’s growing capacity and commitment to saving lives at sea.

According to him, the rescue mission was executed by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA on Friday.

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed,” Adams-Aliu said.

Upon arrival, the naval team discovered the vessel rapidly taking in water. All ten crew members—comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians—were safely evacuated and brought to FOB IBAKA, where they were received, debriefed, and given medical attention.

“The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and exceptional professionalism,” Adams-Aliu added.

He further noted that the successful operation demonstrates the Navy’s intensified efforts to ensure maritime safety, protect national assets, and promote legitimate economic activity within Nigeria’s maritime domain.