The four men, who eventually found themselves in Brazil, had exhausted their food and water supplies by the 10th day of their journey, which began on June 27. In a desperate bid to survive, they turned to the resources provided by Mother Nature, as recounted in their personal accounts.
Roman Ebimene Friday, one of the stowaways, expressed his astonishment at ending up in Brazil after believing he was headed to Europe. After being rescued by Brazilian federal police in the port of Vitoria, near Rio de Janeiro, Friday told Reuters, "When the federal police came, I don't even know where I was... They asked, 'Do you know where you are?' I said no. I was the person that was sitting on the block of the vessel... and they said, 'This is Brazil.' I said, 'Wow, this is Brazil.' I made it to Brazil. I am happy."
WATCH: BIDEN CLAIMS INFLATION WAS 9% WHEN HE GOT IN OFFICE
Friday, 35, and another stowaway, Thankgod Opemipo Matthew Yeye, 38, have decided to stay in Brazil and apply for asylum, while the other two men have returned to Nigeria at their own request, according to Reuters. The decision to flee Nigeria was driven by the country's struggling economy, political instability, and high crime rates, as reported by the news agency.
NIGHT OPERATION UNCOVERS THE TRAGIC FATE OF THREE MUSICAL FESTIVAL HOSTAGES IN GAZA TUNNEL
Friday recounted how a fisherman friend had rowed him to the stern of the Liberian-flagged Ken Wave cargo ship in Lagos on June 27, only to find three other stowaways already waiting in the ship's rudder area. During the perilous 3,500-mile journey across the Atlantic, the men secured themselves to a net they had set up in the ship's rudder area to prevent themselves from falling into the water. They also made sure to remain silent to avoid detection by the ship's crew.
WATCH VIVEK: "WHAT IS THE CRIME THAT DONALD TRUMP COMMITTED?"
August 02, 2023
Friday explained, "Maybe if they catch you, they will throw you in the water. So we taught ourselves never to make a noise."
WILL BIDEN’S DEBATE DEMANDS TURN THE TIDE OR DROWN HIS CHANCES?
Video footage later emerged showing a Brazilian federal police officer providing water to the men as they sat on the ship's rudder while in port. The experience was described as "terrible" by Thankgod Opemipo Matthew Yeye, who admitted that it was his first time attempting such a journey. Yeye expressed his fear and relief, stating, "The sea, the ship, it was shaking. I was so scared, but now I am here in Brazil."
BIDEN’S HONORARY DEGREE: A SYMBOL OF DIVISION AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE?
The survival of these Nigerian stowaways is a testament to their resilience and determination to seek a better life. Their harrowing journey highlights the dire circumstances that drive individuals to take such extreme risks. As they navigate the asylum process in Brazil, their story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those fleeing economic hardship, political instability, and crime in their home countries.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
