In an exclusive statement, Seplat Energy Plc has informed Nairametrics that by 1 PM today, it will release a comprehensive update on the “Majestic” oil rig collapse incident which occurred on Tuesday, August 15.
The company also said that rescue efforts are ongoing.
The statement read thus:
- “Seplat will wish to inform the public that we are continuing with rescue efforts following our Twitter message shared yesterday. In view of this, this is to inform the public that we would share a detailed press release on the event as we are working with all our partners to ensure the safety and security of all.”
The Backstory
On Tuesday, August 15, Seplat Energy Plc announced one death following the collapse of its ‘Majestic’ oil rig near Ovhor in Delta State. The company made the announcement via its Twitter account on Tuesday evening.
The statement read thus;
- “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 well-being 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.”
What you should know
The collapsed rig “Majestic” belongs to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, a drilling contractor. Note that in May 2018, a fire broke out on the Majestic oil rig in Bayelsa state.