Seplat Oil Rig Operating Illegally Since 2016—NIMASA

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The oil rig operated by Seplat Energy Plc, which capsized on Tuesday, has been operating illegally on the country’s waters since 2016, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has alleged.

About two days ago, an oil rig, Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, but used by Seplat, caved in at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State, killing at least one person, with about three persons still missing.

Seplat, in a statement after the incident, had said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew member who sadly lost his life, and the three others who are still missing at the time of this report.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Mr Osagie Edward, disclosed that the facility had been operating since 2016 without requisite approvals from the regulatory agency.

“Initial findings have confirmed that the ill-fated Rig is Panama Flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without requisite approvals from the agency.

“The ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was been towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.

“NIMASA has initiated contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a conglomerate of all International Oil Companies (IOCs) responsible for the cleaning of Tier 2 oil spill, to establish the level of spillage at the scene of the incident.

“In addition, the Agency is in communication with officials of SEPLAT Energy Limited chatterers of the ill-fated Rig who are expected to officially report the incidence within 24 hours in line with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007,” the statement said.

However, Mr Edward noted that the agency has dispatched a team comprising Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers to the scene of the incident.

“In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, which includes safe shipping and cleaner oceans, a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State,” he added.