CALABAR, Nigeria — One crew member has been declared missing and 20 others rescued after a fire broke out on a vessel associated with the Nigerian Navy along the Calabar channel on Monday night, naval authorities said.
The incident involved the Motor Vessel Chimba Express, which was carrying scrap materials and other logistics from Gabon to Calabar.
The vessel had 21 people on board, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians, according to a statement issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, by Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunaya, the Base Operations Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Ahunaya said the Nigerian Navy Ship OSE, while on routine patrol, received a distress call from the vessel at about 1300 hours on Monday. Upon arrival at the scene, naval personnel observed thick smoke billowing from the ship and immediately commenced rescue operations.
Crew members who had abandoned the vessel, as well as others trapped on deck, were pulled to safety using life buoys, he said. Twenty crew members were successfully rescued and given first aid.
The missing individual was identified as the vessel’s chief engineer, who reportedly jumped into the water out of fear of an explosion. Search and rescue efforts were continuing as of Tuesday, the statement said.
The operation was supported by personnel from Forward Operating Base Ibaka and Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, with assistance from local fishermen. Naval officers also deployed portable pumps in an effort to contain the blaze, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
Lieutenant Commander Ahunaya said the Nigerian Navy remained committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and protecting maritime assets, in line with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff.
