The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has revealed that the oil rig, Majestic, which recently capsized in Delta State, had been functioning unlawfully on Nigerian waters since 2016. This disclosure was made in a public statement by Osagie Edward, the agency’s Public Relations Head.
According to The Guardian, the rig is owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited, and according to NIMASA, it had been operating without the necessary approvals from the regulatory body. Following the incident, the agency has dispatched a Search and Rescue team along with marine accident investigation officers to the scene.
The Majestic Rig, which is Panama flagged, collapsed on its way to Ovhor in Warri, Delta State. This unfortunate incident resulted in one fatality and three missing persons.
Seplat Energy’s CEO, Roger Brown, confirmed the accident, stating that the rig was contracted by a joint venture of Seplat and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). While most of the crew are safe, the search continues for the missing personnel.
The Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed his condolences to Seplat and urged the company to hasten the search for the missing crewmembers and initiate an investigation into the incident.
IMAGE: Nigerian Tribune
