Two Fishermen Missing Off the Atlantic Ocean Opu-Okumbiri Communities in Bayelsa State Launch Desperate Search
The people of Opu-Okumbiri and other coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are in sad mood after two fishermen, Elder Sunday Sample Timothy and his assistant, Mr. Avarada are reported missing following a fishing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean.
Community members say the duo left Opu-Okumbiri early in the morning at about 1am to fish but their boat developed a fault.
A community leader, Chief Saturday Akimi-Omunhuo, who confirmed the incident, said the faulty outboard engine of the fishing boat was drifting into the sea when a rescue boat managed to tow them back toward the continental shelf and the Atlantic coastline.
According to him, tragedy however struck close to shore as they approached land, when they were overwhelmed by rampaging waves that capsized the faulty boat which was eventually washed ashore, as the two occupants were lost to the sea.
While the rescue boat towing them safely made it to shore, Elder Timothy and Mr. Avarada were missing.
Community rescue teams immediately launched a frantic search across the coastline and nearby waters. Hours later, their effort yielded no result as the fishermen’s fishing gears were found floating and have since been recovered and taken home, but the two missing fishermen remain lunaccounted for.
Chief Omunhuo who explained that such tragedies were experienced frequently in the area, made an urgent appeal to the Brass Local Government authorities, the Government of Bayelsa State, the Federal Government, and the international community to come to the aid of coastal dwellers whose lives depend entirely on the deep Ocean.
“Our people have no other livelihood,” he lamented. “We go to Ocean because we must. But year after year, we lose fathers, sons, and breadwinners to these waters. We need better safety equipment, weather alerts, and support for coastal communities. Please, help us.”
For the people of Opu-Okumbiri they are only hoping that the two missing fishermen would be found.
