Seplat Energy has dismissed allegations of owning the Majestic oil rig, which recently met with a tragic mishap in Delta State. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) had earlier reported that the rig had been unlawfully operating in Nigerian waters since 2016.
In its latest update, Seplat clarified that the ill-fated rig was owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited, its contractor. It also confirmed the unfortunate demise of a British national in the incident.
Earlier this week, Seplat had confirmed one death, three missing crew members, and the rescue of 92 others following an incident involving the Majestic rig in Ovhor, Okpe, Delta State.
The company deeply regretted the incident on the Depthwize swamp drilling rig ‘Majestic’ and clarified that it had contracted the rig as part of the Seplat/NNPC joint venture. The rig capsized while en route to its drilling location at Ovhor.
NIMASA, in its Wednesday statement, disclosed that the Majestic rig had been functioning on Nigerian waters without the agency’s approval since 2016. Seplat, however, refuted these claims by stating that the rig was owned by its contractor, Depthwize Nigeria Limited.
The company’s latest update read, “Contrary to some reports, the Majestic rig is owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited, not Seplat.” It further stated that the company is continuing the search for the three missing crew members. The 10 crew members who were hospitalised following the incident have been discharged, and the rescue operations are ongoing.
Seplat has also informed that the single fatality recorded was a British national. Depthwize has notified the victims’ families. Seplat reassured its compliance with all regulatory requirements in the aftermath of the incident.
SOURCE: ThisDayLive
IMAGE: Arise News
