Bayelsa State Rescues São Tomé Fishermen After Eight Days Adrift in Gulf of Guinea

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has handed over two fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe who were rescued after drifting for eight days in the Gulf of Guinea, in a development the governor said underscores the strong maritime ties between Nigeria and the island nation.

The fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued by local fishermen at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State after their boat drifted into Nigerian waters.

Diri formally handed the men over to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno, at the governor’s country home in Sampou on Saturday.

The governor said the incident provided another opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in the area of maritime relations.

Diri noted that it was the second time fishermen from the neighbouring country had been rescued in Bayelsa, recalling that a similar incident occurred in Brass Local Government Area in July 2023.

According to him, the repeated incidents could partly be attributed to harsh weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea, but also highlighted the close geographical and maritime relationship between the two territories.

«“This shows you how close Nigeria, Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe are in the Gulf of Guinea,” the governor said.»

Diri stressed that the development also highlighted the strategic importance of Bayelsa’s maritime resources, noting that all three senatorial districts of the state have access to the Atlantic Ocean.

He described the state’s extensive maritime assets as an opportunity for economic diversification, particularly through the development of the blue economy.

The governor said his administration’s decision to rescue and care for the fishermen demonstrated Bayelsa’s commitment to regional solidarity and respect for human life, regardless of nationality.

He disclosed that immediately after receiving information about the rescue, he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa, where they received medical attention at the Government House clinic.

Diri also commended the government and diplomatic representatives of São Tomé and Príncipe for their prompt response and cooperation throughout the process.

“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.

Fishermen Were My Relatives — São Tomé Envoy

Responding, Ambassador Moreno expressed gratitude to Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for rescuing the fishermen and providing them with medical care and hospitality.

The diplomat said the gesture was particularly touching after he discovered that the two rescued fishermen were his relatives.

Moreno said the incident had demonstrated that the relationship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe went beyond geographical proximity.

«“This ceremony has taught me very well, in various senses, that we are not just neighbours but also sisters,” he said.»

The envoy explained that the fishermen were forced to drift towards Bayelsa after the battery powering their GPS became depleted while they were fishing.

He expressed relief at seeing the two men in good health and thanked the governor, the state government and the people of Bayelsa for their intervention.

The São Tomé and Príncipe delegation included the Executive Secretary of the embassy, Jerushah Danboyi.

The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Faith Zibs-Godwin; Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo; and other government officials.