19 Crew Members Escape Death As Fire Guts Britania U Oil Drilling Platform
– NIMASA Begins Investigation
By Sulaimon Salau
No fewer than 19 Crew Members on the Britania U drilling platform escaped death Thursday, as fire guts the facility at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical offshore Delta State.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), which confirmed the incident to Slye News, said it has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, in a statement said on Thursday, 18th July, 2024, NIMASA received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos, that Britania U, a drilling platform was under distress at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria
He said all nineteen crew members onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform were successfully rescued from the vessel.
According to him: “The agency collaborated with other responding Agencies and first responders to ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons during the incident.
“The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has set up an incident command center in the office of the agency’s Executive Director Operations, to prepare an effective situation-based response plan against oil spillage or other incidents affecting the marine environment and safety of navigation.
“Furthermore, in line with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Agency’s Marine Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the direct and remote causes of this unfortunate mishap.
“The outcome of the investigation will be published and recommendations arising therefrom implemented,” he stated.
