The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at the weekend rescued a Sao Tome ship which was on its way to Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The vessel, MV AL SALAM, a small general cargo ship built for coastal trading, developed engine problems off Nigerian waters and was adrift the high sea for nine consecutive days with over 160 passengers on board, drifting dangerously towards oil installations at sea before calling for help.

Shortly after receiving the distress signal, the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) located at the NIMASA Resource Development Center in Lagos relayed the distress signal to all vessels in the region in order to locate and rescue the stranded vessel. This effort paid off as "MV ALSALAM" was sighted and guided to Calabar breakwaters under toe by MT Mother Benedicta.

The vessel was eventually docked at the former Dry-Dock Jetty of the Nigerian Ports Authority in Calabar, shortly after which officials of NIMASA collaborated with those of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Immigration Service and medical personnel from the Search and Rescue Clinic of NIMASA evacuated over 160 passengers including children and pregnant women who were weak and dehydrated.

Officials of NIMASA provided First Aid services and food for the passengers. The Agency also provided all logistics required to convey the stranded passengers from Calabar to Cotonou .

Shortly after the rescue operations ,the ship"MV SALAM" was detained in Calabar for inspection to determine her compliance with International Maritime Organization's regulations for Deep-Sea sailing and trading.

An interim investigation conducted by officials of the Agency revealed that the vessel was not seaworthy as it was loaded with hundreds of bags of chewing lumbers, personal luggage and over 160 passengers and 12 crew members, despite being a 276.16 gross tonnage vessel.