On April 29, 2025, the Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 99 passengers following a boat accident on the Bukuma River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident occurred when a wooden market boat named Blood of Jesus, en route from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru LGA, collided head-on with a barge identified as Damen Buba. ​

The collision took place around 10:55 a.m. in the Tuma area, approximately 300 meters from Naval Security Station 035. Upon receiving a distress call, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder swiftly deployed four gunboats to the scene. Despite challenging conditions, all 99 passengers were rescued without any reported fatalities or injuries. ​

Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of NNS Pathfinder, commended the naval personnel for their prompt and professional response, which not only ensured the safety of all passengers but also led to the recovery of most of the goods onboard.

This incident highlights the critical role of the Nigerian Navy in ensuring maritime safety and responding effectively to emergencies within the nation's waterways.