Nigerian cook survives two days under sea in shipwreck air bubble | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Wednesday 12 June 2013

Nigerian cook survives two days under sea in shipwreck air bubble

After two days trapped in freezing cold water and breathing from an air bubble in an upturned tugboat under the ocean, Harrison Okene was sure he was going to die. Then a torch light pierced the darkness.

Ship's cook Okene, 29, was on board the Jascon-4 tugboat when it capsized on May 26 due to heavy Atlantic ocean swells around 30 km (20 miles) off the coast of Nigeria, while stabilizing an oil tanker filling up at a Chevron platform.

Of the 12 people on board, divers recovered 10 dead bodies while a remaining crew member has not been found. Somehow Okene survived, breathing inside a four foot high bubble of air as it shrunk in the waters slowly rising from the ceiling of the tiny toilet and adjoining bedroom where he sought refuge, until two South African divers eventually rescued him.


 "I was there in the water in total darkness just thinking it's the end. I kept thinking the water was going to fill up the room but it did not," Okene said, parts of his skin peeling away after days soaking in the salt water.

"I was so hungry but mostly so, so thirsty. The salt water took the skin off my tongue," he said. Seawater got into his mouth but he had nothing to eat or drink throughout his ordeal.
At 4:50 a.m. on May 26, Okene says he was in the toilet when he realized the tugboat was beginning to turn over. As water rushed in and the Jascon-4 flipped, he forced open the metal door.
"As I was coming out of the toilet it was pitch black so we were trying to link our way out to the water tidal (exit hatch)," Okene told Reuters in his home town of Warri, a city in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta.

"Three guys were in front of me and suddenly water rushed in full force. I saw the first one, the second one, the third one just washed away. I knew these guys were dead."
What he didn't know was that he would spend the next two and a half days trapped under the sea praying he would be found.

Turning away from his only exit, Okene was swept along a narrow passageway by surging water into another toilet, this time adjoining a ship's officers cabin, as the overturned boat crashed onto the ocean floor. To his amazement he was still breathing.

Fish feasted on the dead
Okene, wearing only his underpants, survived around a day in the four foot square toilet, holding onto the overturned washbasin to keep his head out of the water.
He built up the courage to open the door and swim into the officer's bedroom and began pulling off the wall paneling to use as a tiny raft to lift himself out of the freezing water.
He sensed he was not alone in the darkness.
"I was very, very cold and it was black. I couldn't see anything," says Okene, staring into the middle distance.

"But I could perceive the dead bodies of my crew were nearby. I could smell them. The fish came in and began eating the bodies. I could hear the sound. It was horror."
What Okene didn't know was a team of divers sent by Chevron and the ship's owners, West African Ventures, were searching for crew members, assumed by now to be dead.
Then in the afternoon of May 28, Okene heard them.
 "I heard a sound of a hammer hitting the vessel. Boom, boom, boom. I swam down and found a water dispenser. I pulled the water filter and I hammered the side of the vessel hoping someone would hear me. Then the diver must have heard a sound."

Divers broke into the ship and Okene saw light from a head torch of someone swimming along the passageway past the room.
"I went into the water and tapped him. I was waving my hands and he was shocked," Okene said, his relief still visible.
He thought he was at the bottom of the sea, although the company says it was 30 meters below.
The diving team fitted Okene with an oxygen mask, diver's suit and helmet and he reached the surface at 19:32, more than 60 hours after the ship sank, he says.

Okene says he spent another 60 hours in a decompression chamber where his body pressure was returned to normal. Had he just been exposed immediately to the outside air he would have died.
The cook describes his extraordinary survival story as a "miracle" but the memories of his time in the watery darkness still haunt him and he is not sure he will return to the sea.
"When I am at home sometimes it feels like the bed I am sleeping in is sinking. I think I'm still in the sea again. I jump up and I scream," Okene said, shaking his head.
"I don't know what stopped the water from filling that room. I was calling on God. He did it. It was a miracle."

Source: Reuters

446 comments:

1 – 200 of 446   Newer›   Newest»
Doo said...

Thank God!

Anonymous said...

Thank God he survived. Ah - Gusiness book of records needs him

★★PRINCE CHARMING™★★ said...

To God be praised, his being alive is heavenly ordained indeed!

Sexily Endowed said...

Oh boy is either u're papi-water or ur God is so alive.... 2days under sea? Thank God for ur life oooooo.

Unknown said...

Thanks to God, for sparing his life. He is so lucky. I can't just imagine the ordeal he must have gone through.

Anonymous said...

Be thankful for this miracle
Bro.
Did I make it?

Unknown said...

This narration just made me remember the movie, "The Deep Blue Sea".. Happy for him though.

pweetylisa said...

Woow, God is gr8...t's indeed a miracle

Anonymous said...

This is really a miracle. Thank God for ur life.

mia Ek said...

Omg! God can hear us from anywhere. Really touching.

Oby Azike said...

God is good indeed

obyazike.blogspot.co.uk

Unknown said...

wow.....baba God u'r awsome

BONARIO NNAGS said...

Thank God for his life.

~BONARIO~says so via NOKIA3310

Anonymous said...

God is good.

ary said...

A true survivor's story, thank God for his life. Should be made into a movie

mia Ek said...

ThankGod for your life

sexyboocalher said...

3rd 2 comment!!! Mk sure U̶̲̥̅̊ serve God with al U̶̲̥̅̊ have..

kunle said...

This is a great surviving testimony. Really praise God for him, the maker.
It is educative though.

discover secrets to losing some weight and eating healthy

Anonymous said...

Praiseeeee the Lord somebody! *waves hand* God is truly awesome. I thank God for your life mister

Anonymous said...

Quite touching, I must confess. This is more than luck. God still has a purpose for his life.

Anonymous said...

Indeed a miracle bruv

Anonymous said...

So shockd right now,but your God is ALIVE,praise be 2 His name! Wht a miracle.Ojanell

Anonymous said...

Never give up. thank God for your life.

Henny said...

thank God it was indeed a miracle, go and sin no more.

↭PRINCE JOBLESS↭ said...

FUCK EVERYTHING!!! TODAY'S THE DAY I WAS BORN!!!! THANK YOU LORD!!!

See you all later! Long day ahead. Happy birthday to my birthday mates too! Love you all!

Henny said...

thank God it was indeed a miracle, go and sin no more.

EyeJay said...

God is in deed GOOD!

Unknown said...

God is great!

e bonto said...

Okene,if u r not yet born again,pls give ur life 2 our savour Jesus Christ.He kept u alive 4 a purpose.Our God is always able.We thank 4 d life of our dear brother Okene.

Unknown said...

God neva fails. Tank u Jesus

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! " crying" this is definitely a miracle. The way God works we can never understand, this man is not better than the others that died but God spared him, this man is definitely a miracle, he needs to worship God with his all from now on. So happy for this man. Thank God.

dudette said...

My brother the grace of God is upon u! Thank God for ur life.

Chinny said...

This is indeed a miracle! I was in shock reading through it. Thank God oo.

Anonymous said...

God is great. Thank God

Anonymous said...

Thank God for his faithfulness :D...luboo

PAVOUR said...

Hmmmm god of mercy n miracle did it... ever be praise Lord. What an experience in water. Thank god for u n never leave him

Unknown said...

He as done it again, He never sleep nor slumber, I thank God for you HarriSon you will not die befor ur time but remember he save you for a purpose

Or-Say said...

God be praised!

Pat-Udy said...

Miracle indeed. You serve a living God. Not your time †Φ die.

Anonymous said...

Well i'll be fucked!!! Fucking James bond Shit right there mayne!!! Top Lad!!


@Sarcastic_dude

Anonymous said...

It was really a miracle.
Thank you Jesus for keeping okene..

Anonymous said...

great news..i blv by now you should knw @all point in ur life u must continue to do good and serve God almighty with truth & in honesty, it cost u nuffin. stay cool

Anonymous said...

great news..i blv by now you should knw @all point in ur life u must continue to do good and serve God almighty with truth & in honesty, it cost u nuffin. stay cool

Anonymous said...

Well i'll be fucked!!! Fucking James bond Shit right there mayne!!! Top Lad!!


@Sarcastic_dude

Unknown said...

ONLY GOD!!!

Nkeiruka C. Ogbuokiri said...

Wow...Amen, Amen, Amen...God have mercy and RIP for the bodies that have gone on with the Lord.

Unknown said...

Gosh! I just couldn't help the tears streaming down my face. Praise be to the Almighty, All powerful God. Just thought of the movie; life of Pie. Pls watch.

Anonymous said...

To God be the Glory I praise and thank God on ur behalf.....God has a purpose for YOU never let go on GOD!!!!

Unknown said...

Wonderful God

Anonymous said...

Thank God.

Unknown said...

Tnk ur stars man.God did it 4 u.hop u now put mor revrence in d tins of God

Anonymous said...

Now that! Is what I call a miracle!!! I praise Jesus for u mr Okene! He alone saved u! Dis is really inspiring!

Anonymous said...

A mighty mniracle indeed,, ur lucky. I believe God has a plan for you.

Unknown said...

Thank God for you

didi.. said...

God is awesome..no one is like my God..my wonderful God.you are worthy to be praised.thank you,thank you.

Unknown said...

I bless ur name o!Lord....can someone shout hallelujah!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! It could only have been God's mighty hands! May He continue to protect His own! Amen!

Anonymous said...

To God Be The Glory!!indeed it was a miracle.

Anonymous said...

God is faithful! Happy for u bro!

Unknown said...

God is so awesome!

Anonymous said...

It is d Lord's doing, it is marvelous in our eyes. May God continue to work miracles for us to the amazement of those who don't believe.

Anonymous said...

Wow,my God is wonderful...thank U daddy..congrats Mr okene

bbdatouch said...

Awesome God

Anonymous said...

Waow its really a miracle, I thank God for ur life u owe Him praises all thru ur lifetime, enjoy more of His mercy!

Anonymous said...

Awwww... Bless you Okene. You will be fine in no time. I had a life threatening surgery 2yrs ago and went thru so much pain. I Spent 4months in d hospital. I don't even wish my enemies to go thru such. For over 18months, I cried in my sleep evry night without even knowing. It was my parents, boyfriend n friends who use to tell me about it all d time. Till date, when ever I see blood, stitches and injection, I get d Chills n run like a crazy person. Okene will get over d Trauma. It might just take a while. Bless you Okene. God Loves You. Never forget that.

Anonymous said...

God loves you glory to his name.

Anonymous said...

Thank God for ur life ooo...Its a miracle indeed..

Anonymous said...

That's amazing. Congratulations man. *S.O.S*

Oliver Onyibe said...

Miracles still exist...this one was a miracle.

Prodigy1 said...

Wow!! Best story ever, Truly a miracle

Anonymous said...

It's indeed a miracle

Mopsyluv said...

it ws a miracle indeed!i'm so hapi 4 him n his family...

Anonymous said...

God is indeed a miracle working God

baby said...

Indeed it was a miracle.marvels me wen i see/hear pple get 2close 2death nd den dey are JUST restored/Preserved.its awesome.happy 4u Okene

Anonymous said...

GOD saved you for a purPose...so sad for the lost souls. RIP

MYRAYA SAYS said...

Wow!!!!! Dis is truly God @ work...
MYRAYA

Anonymous said...

HIS TIME WAS NOT UP..HE CALLED ON THE LORD AND HE SAVED HIM...HE NEEDS TO DO WORK FOR JESUS....GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE..

Anonymous said...

Thank Jehovah no be small. Its realy a miracle.

Anonymous said...

God be praised!!!This is a miracle!Thank God for sparing ur life. I hope u get over the trauma as tym passes. Wow!!!its jst amazing.

Anonymous said...

God be praised!!!This is a miracle!Thank God for sparing ur life. I hope u get over the trauma as tym passes. Wow!!!its jst amazing.

Anonymous said...

Praise Jehovah Lord God Almighty, so happy you made it to tell the story.Please live your life and honor God in all you do and for the rest of your life. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Wow.....

Anonymous said...

Thank God for your life, that's every mariner's nightmare to be trapped under sea, God forbid

Mama somtee . said...

Thanking God for your life and trusting him to keep you always . Congrats

Anonymous said...

I thank God for d life of Mr okene d lord has nt finished wit u yet so u hv to serve God wit all u hv. Stay blessed

Anonymous said...

We thank God. Such a brave lad! As time goes by it'll get easier to deal with the trauma.

Anonymous said...

What a miracle. God still answers prayers.

Anonymous said...

Thank God for such a miracle. You are indeed a Miracle!!!

Anonymous said...

OMG! God Ȋ̝̊̅§ sure alive. Thank God 4 dis miracle. Let d living praise d Lord.

Anonymous said...

Thank God for your life..he saved you..This is every offshore worker's nightmare..I pray God continues to guide and protect us...#stunna

Stanley Onduru said...

THIS IS A REAL MIRACLE. aLL THANKS TO GOD FOR PRESERVING HIS LIFE.

Anonymous said...

Thank you God! May your name be praised forever.

sexiest said...

That was a big miracle. Thank God 4 ur life.

June said...

Mr. Okene its obvious, you are loved by God... Its indeed a Miracle.

Unknown said...

Wow! What a miraculous survivior story! This could fit in for a hollywood blockbuster!

Anonymous said...

Awwww. This is a very touching story! I rejoice with u brother! Truly a miracle.

Anonymous said...

Woow...wat α̲̅ terrible ordeal, its indeed α̲̅ miracle my brother....1st 2 comment ℓ̊ guess!

lawlah ray said...

I bliv in miracle,tank God for his life

Anonymous said...

It can only be God

Anonymous said...

Lord Ʊ are wonderful, Ʊ are worthy to b praise. To God b d Glory.

Anonymous said...

Tears cudnt stop rolling dwn my face. As I read dis piece,oh! Am marvelled just at d awesomeness n mercifulness of God,this is actually d finger of God.tnk u my maker,baba u 3 much.

Anonymous said...

Tuj twas God and God alone

Anonymous said...

miracle!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! What a miracle. God is good

ETHAN said...

Miracle indeed. Wow

Anonymous said...

God be praised! It really is a miracle .

Anonymous said...

God is the greatest

Anonymous said...

It is a miracle indeed..wat a dreadful way to die.

Anonymous said...

Dis is reli touchin,we thnk God

arinze muojekwu said...

as i was reading this , i felt i am the one inside that ship . What a miracle

ChinaU said...

Definitely a miracle! Thank God.

Anonymous said...

Itz really a miracle•thank God for preservin ur life

Anonymous said...

Absolute Miracle!

Anonymous said...

Quite a miracle;touching....

Temple.

Anonymous said...

MIRACLE!!! God is GREAT

sexy bitch yo said...

God is good_so all dis fishes in water eat up dead humans,na wa o...so many naija guys have bin eaten up by dis fishes while crossing from morocco to spain or libya to italy in search of green pastures....and dere parents are still hoping for dere return someday...God loves u mr cook_serve him for the restof ur life..

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda, Okene actually stayed i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊  water 4 more than 2days.... I knw the story well

Unknown said...

Father Lord thank u 4 dis miracle.

*cutenini* said...

Indeed it was a miracle,tank God for yur safety,derz a reason for ur existence.hope u've done ur tanksgiving?anywayz yu luk very familiar mister.

Anonymous said...

Don't knw wht 2 say... God realy BIG

Anonymous said...

Jesus is forever wonderful!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow Miracles still happen with ds God of wonders. So happy for ds man u better serve God all d rest of ur life

Empress said...

Awwwww wat a miracle! Mehn ve got phobia for water even pool scares mi out.buh wait ooo were dey not suppose to be on life jacket dat wil make them float on water. Hmmmmm over looking all diz small small safety details.

crystal said...

tank God.. its really a miracle

Anonymous said...

Hm,a miracle inded. its my 1st time here...Kennyz closet

Anonymous said...

To God be thy Glory

Anonymous said...

I thank God for his life,praise thy Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hold tightly unto GOD,he has a reason for sparing your life.Thanks you baba GOD,you're too awesome,glory!

Becky naka (Beautiful home concept....your sure plug for industrial cleaning) said...

wow...what more can i say, God of miracle u r 2 much, expectin my own miracle 4rm u. Thank u jesus.

Joy Monique A said...

God i thank you 4 this Life.it is a Miracle.

Anonymous said...

Testimony of Life am moved o!!!! Very moved!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. God does indeed perform.mircacles. When its not your time its not your time.

Janelicious said...

My dear u re blessed, bera go for a serious thanksgiving bcus Baba God is worthy. Happy for you.

Anonymous said...

Eyah... Chai

Anonymous said...

God said "call upon me in the time of trouble and I will ans you". Okene was given a second chance 2 serve God,thank you Jesus 4 saving dis handsome man's life.

chacha said...

Indeed God is faithful,I can feel ur joy,wot a touching story.RIP 2 d dead ones......

Anonymous said...

God Is Good....

Anonymous said...

ALLAH is GREAT

Anonymous said...

Bro, really a miracle. God be praise. Am so happy for u.

Anonymous said...

I bless and thank God for your life,may the souls of others rest in peace.God be praised

MalasparkBlog said...

Really miracle, if na me i no go ever water again o. Thank God for you

Anonymous said...

Allahu Akbar,Allah ɪ̣̝̇s̤̥̈̊ d greatest.Congrats dear on U̶̲̥̅̊я survival

Unknown said...

Thank God 4 u! This is indeed a miracle.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is really a miracle,2days in d water and still survived

Anonymous said...

Am so hapi 4 u,God still nid u 4 sumtin.Dis is a miracle. Linda post my comment o

Unknown said...

Tnk God 4 ur life....
Such a horrifying experience!

Anonymous said...

Wt a touchin story....Am so happi 4 him,d God we serve nvr sleeps nor slumber,he is an awesome God.u r truly bless ma broda 4rm warri

Anonymous said...

God is great

joval pet said...

My dear dz is really miracle nd I tnk God for u

BelLaBomba said...

What a miracle

patalex said...

Waffi people are aurvivots

Anonymous said...

the God that save daniel 4rm pit of lions has done it 4 u and believe u me that u re alive 2day by Gods special/abundant grace which cannot be bought with money. I tap 4rm ur miracle.

Anonymous said...

God jst luvs dis man,he has 2 be very tankful.

Anonymous said...

His God is really alive.Thank God for Him. This is the risk we face at work -Chuks

Anonymous said...

God is wonderful when he says it is not your time to leave this world it really is not your time . to ALMIGHTY GOD be the glory.

Veev said...

Wow!!!

Anonymous said...

God is wonderful when he says it is not your time to leave this world it really is not your time . to ALMIGHTY GOD be the glory.

Anonymous said...

God is wonderful when he says it is not your time to leave this world it really is not your time . to ALMIGHTY GOD be the glory.

Anonymous said...

Thank God for ur life. God is great. Mk

Anonymous said...

Woooooooooowwwww...... Who say's there's no God???? Am shocked to d bone..

Anonymous said...

Miracle working God, may my situation have a similar testimony

ugo3niti said...

You are specially
loved by God. Can't wait to see your edition of "I shouldn't be alive", "it's a miracle" or "I'm alive", amazing story!!!

Temmi said...

Amazing story! God is awesome

ugo3niti said...

You are specially
loved by God. Can't wait to see your edition of "I shouldn't be alive", "it's a miracle" or "I'm alive", amazing story!!!

Anonymous said...

God is good may his name be praised always

Bloomandgrownaija said...

That is the bravest story I have ever heard! Wow!

Bloomandgrownaija said...

That is the bravest story I have ever heard! Wow!

Anonymous said...

God is a merciful God! Really happy for him. what he is having now is "post traumatic stress Disorder" it will pass with time....wow am so thrilled

LINK HUB said...

God is great!.......so glad 4 ur life.

Unknown said...

God is Awesome!!!this is a miracle.

Anonymous said...

This man's experience is frightening. Really dislike the risk involved in d nature of his job irrespective of the huge salary he may b earning.Thank God he survived.I feel bad abt those who lost their lives.

Anonymous said...

It was indeed a miracle.

martiiney said...

Linda,just to let u know,Nelson mandela is dead.

Anonymous said...

God is alive never sleeps

Anonymous said...

God is a miracle worker... I thank God for his life.

Unknown said...

O.M.G!!! Miracles still happen and dis is a perfect example of one. Thank u Jesus. You alone is worthy of his/our praise. *i just had to comment*

kyke said...

That can only be God! Awesome God!

Mosunmola said...

The Lord keep and uphold you, Okene. Even if you don't think so yet, you'll get over the sad experience. Hmm...Tragedy always leaves more than the dead victims behind. How sad that this man survived but will be unable to enjoy his survival for a while. Remembering the horror and his dead fellows will keep him awake many nights to follow. It is well.

Anonymous said...

Wow wat a mıracle.

Anonymous said...

And some people say there is no God... You are blessed.

Anonymous said...

This guy is a real hero.
The good nigerian

Anonymous said...

Omg! The horror! You are indeed a miracle. The Lord will keep blessing you.

Unknown said...

OMG thats inspirational,the lord is surely a shield in times of trouble.check out dis link http://startreferraljob.com/

Unknown said...

WOW...Even when all else fails God supports you!

Anonymous said...

Dt could have only been God..Thank God for His Mercies....

Anonymous said...

jah Jehovah, it looks like an american film, oh God, tnk u for saving his life, but he will live never to forget this incedence, kai nawaoooo, two days in salt water? May d dead ones rip...... Yaxx.

Anonymous said...

Am happy 4 u man,miracle still exist.God save u 4 a purpose

Anonymous said...

I call dat miracle..

Unknown said...

O.M.G!!! Miracles still happen and dis is a perfect example of one. Thank u Jesus. You alone is worthy of his/our praise. *i just had to comment*

Anonymous said...

God is good 2 his people!

Anonymous said...

Dat is wat u call a miracle!

Anonymous said...

God is with u bro.
Damn!

Anonymous said...

Linda Ikeji is Sexy-Davido

Anonymous said...

Tesa...

It can only be God, praise be His name for sparing your life Mr Okene.

Anonymous said...

Only a God like you,God is awesome,thank him always,is not by our righteousness,he said our righteousness is like a filthy rag before,am happy you were given a second chance to life

Anonymous said...

Awesome God,always be a miracle worker!

honey bunch said...

What a miracle! Our God is able

Anonymous said...

Thank God 4his life.
~D great anonymous!

Engineer said...

I'm a true believer of God's wonders. God spared this mans life for a purpose. Thank God.

maya said...

Wow....may Allah protect us all ooo
Thank God he survived sha..nd to those who didn't,may their soul rest in peace

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