Remembering Capt. Adeyemo for the report on MV River Gurara
By Engr. Akinsoji
Capt. Niyi Adeyemo was the Nautical Assessor of the three-man “Marine Board” to investigate the unprecedented marine casualty of one of the biggest ocean liners ever owned by Nigeria, MV River Guarara.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the Board presented a 246-page report.
The vessel met her fateful disaster off Portugal in the coast of Lisbon in 1989. The casualty consumed 21 innocent Nigerians whilst about 24 Nigerians including the captain’s children escaped with never-to-forget trauma of sea disaster.
From 1989-1990, the investigation, Board sittings and report writing were painstaking sensitive national task. Capt. Adeyemo devoted all in him to ensure that his contribution reflected his character of meekness, selflessness in protecting the integrity of the nation. He never compromised the soothing of the families of the victims.
It is fair and timely for the industry and its authorities to remember this work as one of the numerous contributions this humble Nigerian made to the maritime industry.
Moreover, in his lowly lifestyle, Egbon(meaning ‘older one’ in Yoruba language), as I call him, would use his resources and time to support the righteous cause of anybody in the industry: He was fatherly.
Let us commiserate with his immediate family with our respect and honour for this selfless, fatherly gentleman.
Our consideration for divine favour for him to rest in the bosom of the Heavenly Father is esteem. Adieu Egbon, rest in peace.
Olu Akinsoji is a Marine Engineer.
