Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza died while leading Base operations to rescue 59 drowning persons from turbulent Waters
EPICSTORIAN – Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza of the Nigerian Navy lost his live to turbulent Waters after a successful rescue of 59 drowning persons, the force director of information said.
A report confirmed ‘On July, 30, 2024, the Nigerian Navy’ got a distress call’, requesting for its attention at MV AMBIKA 4 where it secured a dredging vessel.
The vessel, according to the force, was on the brink of sinking into the sea near Okpobo River entrance, a high tide area marked to be turbulent during this season of the year.
The force Director of Information, A ADAMS-ALIU, Commodore, said: “Operating Base BONNY deployed a Rescue Team comprising 10 armed personnel in 2 Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.
“Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves and another squadron of 3 boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.
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“Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy Helicopters, and one Nigerian Air Force helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.
Nigerian Navy struggled to rescue all persons in danger
The Navy said while rescuing 59 workers on a dredging vessel working at Okpobo field contracted by Sterling Global Oil Limited, Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza “risked his life to save others”.
“Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza paid the supreme price,” it said.
“He fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of 29 July 2024 to 1000 hours on 30 July 2024. The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.
“Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was a well-trained combat diver whose painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel towards the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered.”
