PIRATES ATTACK NIMASA BOAT

The controversial maritime domain surveillance contract that was entered into between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Messrs Global West Vessel Specialist may have suffered a deadly blow following reported attack on one of the recently- acquired  patrol boats by suspected pirates at the Escravos in the Niger Delta on Sunday
Sources confirmed to Shipping Position Daily yesterday that in the ill-fated boat was the managing director of Global West Vessel; Capt Romeo Itima, whose body was only recovered yesterday.

The controversial maritime domain surveillance contract that was entered into between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Messrs Global West Vessel Specialist may have suffered a deadly blow following reported attack on one of the recently- acquired  patrol boats by suspected pirates at the Escravos in the Niger Delta on Sunday
Sources confirmed to Shipping Position Daily yesterday that in the ill-fated boat was the managing director of Global West Vessel; Capt Romeo Itima, whose body was only recovered yesterday.
Ironically, the boat in which the NIMASA maritime security personnel were attacked was one of those that were given to the agency by Global West at a recent ceremony in Lagos.
Sources told our correspondent last night that the boat was waylaid at the Escravos, apparently by pirates who may have identified the ship as being inimical to their interests.
The pirates reportedly opened fire on Capt Itima’s crew and because the patrol boat was not fitted with gun boat, it was easy to over- power it, Shipping Position Daily was told.
It was also confirmed that the deceased Capt did not die from any gunshots and that he drowned.
“The wave was heavy, while the tide was also high, the NIMASA boat was thrown off balance by the wave and the Capt who probably didn’t wear a life jacket was thrown over board”, our correspondent was told yesterday.
Our correspondent also gathered that the deceased body has been recovered and that it has been deposited in a mortuary in Warri.
There was no information about the number or where-about of the other crew on board the boat.
But, confirming the sad development to our correspondent via thev telephone yesterday, NIMASA’s head public relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka could however not give details as she was in tears.