The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said it has commenced investigation into Wednesday’s massive explosion which occurred onboard an offshore facility belonging to Shebah Exploration and Production Company Ltd, in Escravos, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement, NUPRC’s spokesperson, Paul Osu, on Thursday, in Lagos, said the investigation is in line with its statutory regulatory oversight of upstream petroleum operations in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
According to Mr. Osu, “There has been no report of any casualties or fatalities.
“The commission will take necessary measures to ensure that all safety and environmental measures in line with global best practices to safeguard lives and the environment are put in place.
“The company thanked the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team operating in the nearby Escravos facility and other community stakeholders for their assistance during the incident.
“We also appreciate the fishermen who have been of tremendous assistance since the incident happened.”
Recall The New Diplomat reported an oil Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel, identified as Trinity Spirit FPSO, exploded in the early hours of Wednesday.
A source who spoke with The New Diplomat disclosed that crew members onboard the vessel who are feared dead, were still missing as of the time of filing this report.
The Chief Executive Officer, Shebah Exploration and Production Company Ltd (in Receivership), Ikemefuna Okafor confirmed the incident, and affirmed that there were no reported fatalities when the incident occured, adding that ten crew men were on board the vessel prior to the incident.
