Three out of the ten missing crew members of an oil Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel, belonging to the Shebah Exploration and Production Company (SEPCOL), that exploded in the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd February, 2022, at Escravos, in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, have been found alive.
SEPCOL, Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, said this in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to Okafor, SEPCOL’s priority is to ensure that the rescued crew members receive proper medical attention needed.
In his words, “We can confirm that three (3) crew members have been found alive in the community and our priority is to ensure that they receive the appropriate medical attention they need. Furthermore, in the early hours of Sunday 6th February 2022, one dead body was discovered in the vicinity of the FPSO. The identity of the dead body is yet to be ascertained,” the statement reads.
“As earlier confirmed, the fire burnt out completely as of Thursday afternoon, 3rd Feb. 2022, thus enabling closer inspection of the vessel. A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) with the relevant authorities, stakeholders and expert organisations took place on Saturday, 5th February 2022.
“The focus of our joint efforts is to prioritise investigations towards establishing the whereabouts, safety, and security of the 7 crew members still missing, clean up and limit damage to the environment, and establish the cause of the explosion.
“We appreciate the assistance provided by the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team, NOSDRA, NUPRC, SPDC, NIMASA and people in the community, particularly the fishermen, who have been of immense assistance since the incident occurred.”
10 crew members onboard the vessel were initially declared missing moments after the FPSO exploded.
