Bayelsa reunites rescued fishermen with São Tomé envoy

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has handed over two fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé Embassy, Carlos Moreno, at his country home in Sampou.

The fishermen, who drifted into Nigerian waters, were rescued by local fishermen at Agge in the Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state after spending about eight days at sea.

The Governor described the rescue as another demonstration of the close ties between the people of Bayelsa and São Tomé, noting that both locations share the Gulf of Guinea and strong maritime connections.

Diri said it was the second time fishermen from the neighbouring country had been rescued in Bayelsa, following an earlier occurrence in Brass LGA in July 2023.

He attributed the repeated incidents partly to weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that the geographical proximity provided an opportunity for deeper cooperation.

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

Diri noted that all the state’s three senatorial districts have access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing the state’s maritime resources as a major opportunity for economic diversification.

He said that upon receiving the report of their rescue, he directed that the fishermen be brought to the state capital, Yenagoa, and given medical attention at the Government House clinic.

He also commended the São Tomé and Príncipe government and its diplomatic representatives for their swift response and cooperation.

“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.”

Moreno appreciated the governor and the state government for the care, medical attention and hospitality extended to the rescued fishermen.

The envoy revealed that findings showed that the rescued fishermen were his relatives, describing the incident as further demonstration that the relationship between the governments of both nations goes beyond geographical proximity.

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

Moreno explained that the fishermen had drifted towards Bayelsa after their GPS battery became depleted while fishing.