Lagos — Fishing trawlers owners yesterday vowed not to return to sea, until they get a concrete assurance from the Nigerian Navy about improved security within and around the Niger Delta Region.

At least, about 170 fishing vessels are presently at anchorage in Lagos, following frequent attack by suspected gunmen.

The decision to stay away from the nations water ways may not be unconnected with frequent attack and killing of crew men on board fishing vessels by suspected sea pirates and crude oil thieves.

No fewer than seven persons have lost their lives in various attacks on fishing trawlers, while billions of naira worth of fish and shrimps were carted away.

Speaking with defence reporters at the end of a meeting with the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, second Vice President of the Association, Mr Joseph Overa, said the frequent attack was a failure on the part of the Nigerian Navy.

According to him, how will one begin to describe insecurity at sea, while the Navy has been constitutionally assigned to protect the nation's territorial waters?

"We have lost close to a billion naira worth of fish, shrimps and equipment to pirates with the Navy no where to be found. Seven of our men have been killed at sea by these armed bandits who have converted the country's waterways into a safe haven for their criminal activities. Until the Nigerian Navy gives us concrete assurance about an improved security at sea, we will not return," he said.

He said part of the things that has compounded the situation was the response time of naval personnel either on patrol duty or in their offices.

According to him, the thing is that they do not respond to distress call by the time these bandits strike. Yes, the authorities assured us that there will be improved security at sea, so we should go back.

But if I want to be sincere, I will like to go back to sea as a businessman, but will the captain of the ships and their crew members go back?, or are they physiologically ready to go to sea, having seen their men fell by the bullets of these criminals.?