Two São Tomé Fishermen Lost for Eight Days in Atlantic Rescued in Bayelsa
Two fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe, who spent about eight days drifting helplessly across the Atlantic Ocean after losing their way at sea, have been rescued in Bayelsa State and handed over to a diplomatic representative of their country.
The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued by local fishermen at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State after drifting into Nigerian waters.
Their ordeal ended after local fishermen found them at sea and brought them to safety, in an incident that has once again highlighted the risks faced by fishermen operating in the vast and unpredictable waters of the Gulf of Guinea.
Following their rescue, the Bayelsa State Government took the two men to Yenagoa, where they received medical attention at the Government House clinic.
On Sunday, Governor Douye Diri formally handed the fishermen over to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno, at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area.
Diri described the rescue as another demonstration of the strong relationship between the people of Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe, noting that both share the Gulf of Guinea and longstanding maritime connections.
The governor said it was the second time fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe had been rescued in Bayelsa, recalling a similar incident in Brass Local Government Area in July 2023.
He attributed the repeated incidents partly to changing weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea and said the geographical proximity between the two countries should encourage deeper cooperation, particularly in maritime affairs.
“This shows you how close Nigeria, Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe are in the Gulf of Guinea,” Diri said.
The governor also pointed out that all three senatorial districts of Bayelsa have access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing the state’s extensive maritime resources as an opportunity for economic diversification.
He said the humane treatment given to the fishermen was a reflection of Bayelsa’s commitment to regional solidarity and respect for human life, regardless of nationality.
Diri said that immediately after receiving information about the rescue, he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa and provided with medical care.
He also commended the government and diplomatic representatives of São Tomé and Príncipe for their prompt response and cooperation.
“Today, I want to officially hand them over to you, so that we know that the bond between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, and precisely Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.
GPS Battery Failure Caused Ordeal
Responding, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno expressed gratitude to Governor Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for rescuing the fishermen and providing them with medical attention and hospitality.
The envoy revealed that the incident was even more personal for him after he discovered that the two rescued fishermen were his relatives.
According to Moreno, the fishermen drifted towards Bayelsa after the battery powering their GPS device became depleted while they were fishing, leaving them unable to properly navigate their way back.
The ambassador said he was relieved to see the two men alive and in good health, describing the Nigerian government’s intervention as a powerful demonstration of the relationship between the two countries.
“This ceremony has taught me very well, in various senses, that we are not just neighbours but also sisters,” he said.
Moreno thanked Governor Diri, the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state for their intervention, care and hospitality.
The São Tomé and Príncipe delegation included the Executive Secretary of the embassy, Jerushah Danboyi.
Governor Diri was accompanied by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin; Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, and other government officials.
