Okerenkoko, Delta State – Six people, including three Nigerian Navy personnel, two National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and one civilian, died on Thursday evening, July 3, 2025, when a Nigerian Navy gunboat capsized in Delta State. The accident occurred shortly after a free medical outreach in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area, an event organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in collaboration with the EMT Foundation.
The victims had just finished the first day of the two-day humanitarian mission when the boat, identified as EPENAL Gunboat DE 24, overturned. It was carrying 15 occupants: nine Navy personnel and six civilians, including three NYSC members.
The vessel was traveling from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos to a hotel in the Arunton community when it sank at approximately 7:45 p.m. The incident took place at LAT 05° 36.408’N / LONG 005° 11.982’E, directly opposite a Chevron Nigeria Ltd facility.
The Navy’s search and rescue team pulled 12 individuals from the water and transported them to a nearby Chevron clinic. Medical personnel confirmed the deaths of six people shortly after their 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 (the boat’s driver)
As of Friday, three individuals remained unaccounted for: Lieutenant DK Nehemiah, Sub-Lieutenant Kwala, and Miss Uche (another corps member). Navy divers continued recovery operations on Friday, though no official update had been provided at the time of the report.
The Nigerian Navy has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident. Despite the tragedy, the medical outreach in Okerenkoko continued as scheduled on Friday, albeit with reduced activity and a somber atmosphere.
During Thursday’s session, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, Commander of NNS Delta, had reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to civil-military cooperation. He was represented by Navy Captain Ayi Archibong.