Editor
Prime Business Africa reports that three crew members from the oil vessel that exploded in Delta State on Wednesday have been found alive. The vessel belonged to the Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in Receivership.
The SEPCOL Management confirmed the three survivors in a statement it issued on Sunday. Reports say 10 persons aboard the ship when it exploded on Wednesday.
“We can confirm that three (3) crew members have been found alive in the community and our priority is to ensure that they receive the appropriate medical attention they need,” the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, was quoted in a statement on Sunday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe fire outbreak had engulfed the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal in the early hours of Wednesday.
Okafor disclosed that at least one yet-to-be-identified dead body was seen within the vicinity of the FPSO.
The statement further reads: “As earlier confirmed, the fire burnt out completely as of Thursday afternoon, 3rd Feb. 2022, thus enabling closer inspection of the vessel. A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) with the relevant authorities, stakeholders, and expert organisations took place on Saturday, 5th February 2022.
“The focus of our joint efforts is to prioritise investigations towards establishing the whereabouts, safety, and security of the 7 crew members still missing, clean up and limit damage to the environment, and establish the cause of the explosion.
“We appreciate the assistance provided by the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team, NOSDRA, NUPRC, SPDC, NIMASA and people in the community, particularly the fishermen, who have been of immense assistance since the incident occurred.”
Okafor advised that people should keep away from the area ‘while its Crisis Management Team monitors developments in the investigations and updates all stakeholders with new information accordingly.’
