Naval Gunboat Capsizes in Delta, Six Confirmed Dead, Three Missing

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday night in Delta State when a Nigerian Navy gunboat capsized along the waterways of Escravos, in Warri South West Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and leaving three others missing.

The vessel, which was en route from the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos to Arunton community, was carrying 15 people—nine naval personnel and six civilians—at the time of the accident. Among the deceased are a naval commander, two youth corps members posted to NNS Delta in Warri, a civilian driver, and two naval personnel.

Three others, including two naval officers and a female corps member, have yet to be accounted for, as search and rescue operations continue.

An internal Navy memo confirmed the accident took place around 7:45 p.m. in front of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s facility. Prompt rescue efforts led to the recovery of 12 individuals from the water. They were rushed to the Chevron clinic for medical attention, where six were pronounced dead on arrival.

Six survivors are currently receiving treatment at the Chevron medical facility in Escravos.

The Nigerian Navy has not yet released the names of the victims, and investigations into the cause of the capsizing are ongoing.