Six individuals, including three naval personnel, two National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and one civilian, have been confirmed dead after a Nigerian Navy gunboat capsized in Delta State.

 

The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, July 3, 2025, shortly after a free medical outreach in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area. The outreach was organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in partnership with the EMT Foundation.

 

According to reports, the gunboat—identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24—was transporting 15 occupants: nine Navy officers and six civilians, including three NYSC members. The vessel was en route from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to a hotel in the Arunton community when it capsized around 7:45 p.m., opposite a Chevron Nigeria Ltd facility at coordinates LAT 05° 36.408’N / LONG 005° 11.982’E.

 

Twelve people were rescued by the Navy’s search and rescue team and taken to a nearby Chevron clinic. Unfortunately, six of them were declared dead on arrival.

 

The deceased have been identified as:

 

Commander JO Eidangbe

 

Petty Officer Abolarinwa

 

Ordinary Seaman Tena

 

Miss Chinenye (NYSC member)

 

Miss Dorcas (NYSC member)

 

Master Destiny (boat driver)

 

 

Three individuals remain missing: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and another corps member, Miss Uche. Navy divers continued search and recovery operations on Friday, but no new official updates had been released as of press time.

 

Despite the tragedy, the second day of the medical outreach proceeded on Friday, though on a smaller scale and under a somber mood.

 

Speaking during Thursday’s session, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu—represented by Navy Captain Ayi Archibong—reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to civil-military cooperation.

 

“The Nigerian Navy has the constitutional responsibility to safeguard our maritime environment. As part of this duty, we engage in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to strengthen our relationship with the public,” he said.

 

The outreach, which included medical consultations, treatments, and health education, is part of Operation Delta Sanity II, launched by Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

 

Despite the rainfall, residents from Okerenkoko and nearby communities turned out for the program. Pastor Christmas Ikare James, Assistant Secretary of the Okerenkoko community, expressed appreciation:

 

“We’re deeply grateful to the Navy. In these times when healthcare is hardly affordable, this outreach means a great deal to our people.”

 

 

 

As the Navy and community continue mourning, search efforts remain ongoing for the three missing individuals.