Workers Feared Dead, Many Missing As Seplat Energy Rig Capsize

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Yesterday, an oil rig operated by Seplat Energy Limited collapsed in which many workers are feared dead, with some still missing as at night fall.

But the management of Seplat Energy has said only one worker died while three are still missing. The company in a statement Tuesday announced the unfortunate incident, said out of a total of 96 persons in the rig, 92 are safe.

But according to a reported eye witness account, some foreign nationals are among the missing workers who are believed to have gone down with the drilling rig.

“Some Britons and French expatriate, including some Nigerians have drowned with the Rig,” a worker who survived the incident told newsmen on Tuesday.

Seplat Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown earlier in a statement said the incident involving the Majestic rig occurred near Ovhor, Delta State, in the early hours of Tuesday, and that only one worker died.

“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”, he said.

He disclosed that 92 persons among the 96-member crew are safe, adding: “However, tragically, one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are still missing.”

Brown condoled with the families and friends of the deceased while noting that a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident will be undertaken.

“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,” he said