A newly acquired oil drilling rig, dubbed the ‘Majestic,’ owned by Seplat Energy Limited and undergoing installation at the Ovhor oilfield in the riverine community of Sapele, within Delta State’s local government area, has suffered a catastrophic collapse. The incident resulted in the loss of five oil workers, including a British national.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Majestic Rig, operated through a SEPLAT/NNPCL joint venture, collapsed while accommodating 96 crew members during the early hours of Tuesday.

Information indicates that several other crew members who were on the rig at the time of the incident remain unaccounted for as of Wednesday….CONTINUE READING

Swift rescue operations were initiated by the oil company in response to the tragic occurrence.

Sources within the company, while confirming the event, disclosed that Seplat’s rescue team had already recovered at least five deceased bodies from the accident site. Among the recovered bodies was that of a British expatriate who was part of the crew.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the company promptly engaged search and rescue measures. According to one of the sources, “As soon as we got the news of the incident, the company activated search and rescue mechanisms, and the efforts yielded great results.

Most of the workers are safe and receiving medical attention. Sadly, we lost about six staff, including a Briton, and approximately six other workers are still missing as of yesterday.”

However, Seplat Energy swiftly responded, asserting that only one oil worker had lost their life in the mishap, and a few others were yet to be located.

In a statement issued by Seplat’s Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, it was noted that out of the 96 crew members aboard the rig, 92 were confirmed safe, while the status of some workers remained uncertain.

“Seplat Energy deeply regrets to announce a severe incident involving the Depthwise swamp drilling rig ‘Majestic’ in the early hours of this morning. Seplat, as the operator of the SEPLAT/NNPCL joint venture, had contracted the rig. It was en route to its planned drilling site at Ovhor in Delta state when it capsized.”

“92 of the 96-member crew have been accounted for and are safe. Tragically, one fatality occurred during the incident, and three other rig personnel are still unaccounted for.”

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the crew member who tragically lost his life and the three crew members who are yet to be located at the time of this report.

We are actively engaged in emergency response and rescue efforts, working in conjunction with the rig owner and the authorities. Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of all affected personnel and their families.”

“As our understanding of the incident evolves, we will provide further updates. A thorough investigation into the cause of the accident will ensue,” the oil company stated on Tuesday.