No fewer than 10 people are reported missing after an oil vessel belonging to Shebah Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) exploded at the Ukpokiti Terminal, near Escravos in Warri, Delta State.
Reports say that the accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when a fire erupted onboard the vessel popularly called FPSO Trinity Spirit.
10 crew members were within the facility when the incident occurred and none of them has been seen as at the time of this report.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Ikemefuna Okafor disclosed that investigations have begun with a view to determining the cause of the explosion.
He added that 10 oil workers were in the vessel and that everything possible will be done to ensure their rescue.
The statement:
“The management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in RECEIVERSHIP hereby announces the unfortunate incident of a fire that engulfed our offshore facility, the FPSO Trinity Spirit located at the Ukpokiti Terminal, following an explosion during the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.
“The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation.
“At this time there are no reported fatalities, but we can confirm that there were ten crewmen onboard the vessel before the incident and we are prioritizing investigations concerning their safety and security.
“We appreciate the assistance provided us by the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team operating in the nearby Escravos facility, and our community stakeholders as well as fishermen, who have been of tremendous assistance since the incident happened.
“We have duly notified all relevant authorities and we appeal to the members of the public to stay away from the area while our Crisis Management Team continue to monitor the situation and update all stakeholders with new information as the investigation evolves.”
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