Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza, the Base Operations Officer at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, tragically lost his life while undertaking a heroic rescue operation in River State.
According to a statement by Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 59 individuals from the dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4. The vessel was in danger of sinking while operating near the Okpobo Field, close to the Okpobo River.
The rescue operation was a joint effort involving the Nigerian Air Force, with the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny mobilizing a team of 10 armed personnel in two interceptor boats, led by Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza.
Challenges were faced in approaching the distressed vessel due to strong waves, leading to the reinforcement of the rescue team with an additional three boats. The operation also saw the mobilization of Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy helicopters, and a Nigerian Air Force helicopter for the extensive search and rescue mission. Despite the challenges, all 59 crew members were successfully rescued, but sadly, Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza lost his life during the operation.
Tragically, Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza accidentally fell overboard during the 10-hour rescue operation, which commenced at midnight on July 29th and carried on into July 30th, 2024.
The Nigerian Navy mourns the loss of Gwaza, acknowledging his bravery and selfless act to save others. He was a skilled combat diver whose courage and commitment exemplified the risks and sacrifices made by Nigerian Navy personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime territory.
Commodore Adams-Aliu emphasized that Gwaza’s dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered by the Navy.