The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE has successfully rescued 20 crew members from the Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express following a fire outbreak along the Calabar Channel.
The incident occurred on Monday, 22 December 2025, when NNS OSE, while conducting a routine patrol, responded to a distress call received at about 1300 hours from the distressed vessel. MV Chimba Express was en route from Gabon to Calabar, conveying scrap materials and other logistics.
According to naval sources, the vessel had a total of 21 crew members, comprising 14 Nigerians and 7 Cameroonians.
Upon arrival at the scene, personnel of NNS OSE observed thick smoke billowing from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations. Crew members who had abandoned ship, as well as others trapped on the deck, were swiftly rescued using life buoys. All 20 rescued crew members were safely evacuated and administered first aid.
However, the Chief Engineer of the vessel, who reportedly jumped into the water out of fear of a possible explosion, remains missing. A search and rescue operation is currently ongoing to locate the missing crew member.
Speaking on behalf of the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander K. K. Ahunanya, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, maritime assets, and Nigeria’s waterways, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s mission.
