It was gathered that, they had been lost in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean for a duration of five days.
The Portuguese-speaking fishermen were saved by a trawler operating in the Gulf of Guinea. Subsequently, they were handed over to local fishermen from Okpoama-Brass who safely transported them ashore.
Upon arrival, the Sao Tomeans were taken to the Okpoama Divisional Police Headquarters, where they were received by Chief Superintendent of Police Ebimiesigha Bebetu, the officer in charge.
Munalayefa William-Sinte, the chairman of the Okpoama Kingdom Security Committee, reported that the fishermen appeared malnourished. However, they were provided with food and clothing before being handed over to the police.
William-Sinte further mentioned that a fisherman, originally from Ilaje in Ondo State but residing in Okpoama, had been missing for over a week. Efforts by his fellow fishermen to locate him in the ocean had been ongoing for several days.
The Bayelsa State Police Command officially confirmed the successful rescue of the two Sao Tome and Principe fishermen, who were found approximately 50 nautical miles off the Atlantic Ocean on July 2, 2023.
In a statement issued by the command's spokesperson, Asinim Butswat, it was revealed that the Divisional Police Officer of the Okpoama Division took custody of the rescued individuals.
It said, “The two fishermen, Antonio Sabino ‘m’ 52 years and Osorio Pires ‘m’ 41 years from Neves in SaôTomē and Principe got lost in the Atlantic Ocean for five days before being rescued by a Captain of a fishing trawler.
“The Police authorities have established contact with a coastguard officer from Saô Tomē and Principe and are making a concerted effort to reunite them with their family.”
