The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has said that it has dispatch a rescue team to the scene where the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, capsized during a hired service by SEPLAT Energy. The agency said the oil rig has been operating illegally in Nigerian waters since 2016 without approvals.
In a statement by NIMASA, in line with its mandate, which includes safe shipping and cleaner oceans, a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State.
According to the agency, initial finding has confirmed that the ill-fated Rig is Panama Flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without its requisite approvals.
The statement added: “The ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was been towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.
“NIMASA has initiated contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a conglomerate of all International Oil Companies (IOCs’) responsible for the cleaning of Tier 2 oil spill, to establish the level of spillage at the scene of the incident.
“In addition, the Agency is in communication with officials of SEPLAT Energy Limited chatterers of the ill-fated Rig who are expected to officially report the incidence within 24 hours in line with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.
This information is for the public to please take note.”