… Investigation ongoing
By Eyo Nsima
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, has classified the Shebah Exploration & Production Company Limited, SEPCOL, as a tier 2 spill.
According to the industry regulation, a tier 2 oil spill is an incident requiring the involvement of Clean Nigeria Associates, CNA, a non-profit Organization and a co-operative of several oil-producing companies in Nigeria to get involved, apparently because it is beyond the capacity of a single company to tackle.
The Director General, NOSDRA, Idris Musa, is said to have stated: “We started the JIV yesterday (Saturday). Today, we have just completed the overfly of the area, noticing sheen (oil) flowing towards the ocean. All relevant stakeholders are represented, including the host community.”
In a statement obtained by The Daily, Chief Executive Officer, SEPCOL, Mr. Ikemefuna Okafor, stated: “The Management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in RECIEVERSHIP, hereby provide further update on the missing crew members following the unfortunate explosion and subsequent fire that engulfed the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal in the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.
“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.
“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.
“Members of the public should continue to keep away from the area while our Crisis Management Team monitors developments in the investigations and update all stakeholders with new information accordingly.”
