The Nigerian Navy has rescued three boat drivers who stowed away aboard a Europe-bound vessel and hid in its propeller compartment, intercepting the ship around the Fairway Buoy on Lagos waters.
The suspects, Isaiah Oyetayo, 30, Goddey Samson, 26, and Popoola Felix, 28, were discovered aboard MV Maersk Calabar on Monday, after the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft received a tip-off about their presence, the Navy said in a statement yesterday.
Commander, NNS Beecroft Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, said the Quick Reaction Team stationed at Tarkwa Bay intercepted the vessel and extracted the suspects from the propeller compartment following information from the Western Regional Control Centre.
Speaking through the Base’s Executive Officer, Captain Olarewaju Oginni, at the handover of the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Adams-Aliu said further investigation showed they boarded the vessel with a canoe while it was berthed at Apapa Port before hiding in the propeller compartment.
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He said their presence was discovered only after the ship got underway, adding that the incident showed the dangers of unauthorised access to seagoing vessels.
He warned that persons who conceal themselves aboard ships in pursuit of illegal migration risk life-threatening conditions and create safety concerns for vessels and crew.
Adams-Aliu called on parents and guardians to discourage youths from attempting to travel illegally by sea, noting that such incidents carry implications for maritime safety across the West African sub-region.
He said NNS Beecroft would continue to support the mission of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to deploy a professional naval force safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
The suspects blamed economic hardship for their actions. Popoola, who said he is married with four children, said he was aware the journey could cost him his life but wanted to earn enough to pay his children’s school fees and support his family.
Samson said he embarked on the journey in search of a better life for himself and his family.
Isaiah, who said he previously drove a passenger boat between Lagos and Cotonou, said he lost his livelihood after rising fuel prices cut into business and his employer could not afford to repair a faulty engine. He said the vessel had sailed for about six hours before someone apparently alerted authorities to their presence, prompting the ship to turn back and the Navy to be called.
The Navy said the hand over to the Nigeria Immigration Service was to allow for further investigation.
- Media Report