A routine fishing trip turned into a nightmare after two Bayelsa fishermen disappeared when their boat capsized off the Atlantic coastline. As desperate relatives and residents continue searching, hope is fading, but the community refuses to give up.
The missing fishermen are Elder Sunday Sample Timothy and his assistant, Mr. Avarada. Both men are from Opu-Okumbiri community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Community leader Chief Saturday Akimi-Omunhuo said the fishermen left home in the early hours of Friday, July 24, 2026, for a fishing expedition. Their boat later developed a mechanical fault while they were at sea.
Another boat rushed to help and tried to tow the disabled vessel toward the continental shelf. During the rescue attempt, the damaged boat capsized and threw both fishermen into the water.
The rescue team returned safely to shore. However, Elder Timothy and Mr. Avarada never resurfaced and remain missing.
Since the incident, residents have searched the coastline and nearby waterways. They recovered the fishermen’s gear, but they have not found the two men. The discovery has deepened the anxiety of their families and the entire community.
Chief Akimi-Omunhuo described the incident as heartbreaking. He said coastal communities have suffered similar tragedies for years. He urged the Brass Local Government Council, the Bayelsa State Government, the Federal Government, and other stakeholders to provide better safety equipment, weather monitoring systems, and emergency support for fishing communities.
“Our people depend on fishing for survival. We need better safety measures to reduce the loss of lives on our waterways,” he said.
Search and rescue efforts were still ongoing when this report was filed. Family members and residents continue to hope the missing fishermen will be found.
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