Seplat Energy's Majestic rig after collapse in Delta State
Confusion over casualty figures, as Seplat Energy‘s rig capsizes in Delta
Amid reports of many workers still unaccounted for following the capsizing of a rig operated by indigenous oil exploration firm, Seplat Energy, the company has confirmed that only one worker died in the accident which occurred Tuesday morning.
The collapse of the operational rig occurred Tuesday morning, but the company allegedly kept it secret until it blew open by evening, when it then issued a statement confirming one casualty amid reports of six other missing staff, including an unidentified Briton.
The rig, christened ‘Majestic’ is located at Ogboren near Ovhor Oilfield, in Sapele Local Government of Delta state, was a new purchase operated by SEPLAT/NNPCL Joint Venture.
Sources claim that as at the time of reporting, only 92 workers out of the total 96 onboard the ill-fated rig have been accounted for since the collapse of the facility.
This is also as unconfirmed reports claim that so far six bodies, including that of a Briton, have been recovered from the capsized structure.
However, refuting the actual casualty figures, Tuesday night, Seplat Management issued an official statement, stating that one worker died in the accident.
The statement signed by Seplat Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, also confirmed that out of the 96 crew members truly onboard the ill-fated rig, 92 of them are safe.
“Seplat Energy regrets to announce a serious incident on the Depthwise swamp drilling rig “Majestic” in the early hours of this morning. Seplat as the operator of the SEPLAT/NNPCL joint venture contracted the rig. It was in-transit to its planned drilling location at Ovhor in Delta State when it capsized.
“92 of the 96-member crew are accounted for and safe. However, tragically one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are still missing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew member who sadly lost his life and the three crew members who are still missing at the time of this report. Our emergency response and rescue efforts working alongside the rig owner and the authorities have been activated and are onsite.
“Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and wellbeing of all the affected personnel and their families.
“We will provide further details as our understanding of the incident develops. A detailed investigation into the cause of the accident will follow.”
Seplat Energy has a 45 per cent working interest in OMLs 4, 38 and 41 which are located in Edo (OML 4) and Delta (OMLs 38 and 41) states onshore of Nigeria.
Seplat Energy is operator of the three oil blocs, which together form one contract area, on behalf of the NPDC/Seplat Joint Venture.
Seplat as the operator of the SEPLAT/NNPCL joint venture contracted the rig, which was in-transit to its planned drilling location at Ovhor in Delta State when it capsized.
