UPDATE : SEPLAT continues search for 3 missing persons in rig incident
By Eyo Nsima
Seplat Energy Plc, a leading indigenous Nigerian energy company, said the search for three missing persons continues in the Niger Delta.
In a statement obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, Seplat Energy maintained that, “The Majestic rig is owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited and not Seplat. As stated in our previous announcement, the rig was in transit to its next drill location at Ovhor. Seplat is the operator of Oil Mining Leases, OMLs 4, 38 & 41 on behalf of the NNPCEPL/SEPLAT Joint Venture.
“Seplat Energy alongside Depthwize, is continuing the search for the 3 missing crew members. Divers and other emergency services are on-site, and as of 9 am, the missing crew members remain unaccounted for.
“Of the other 92 crew members, 10 were admitted to the hospital and stayed overnight. We are pleased to say the 10 crew members have all now been discharged from the hospital. Seplat continues to support Depthwize with the emergency response and rescue efforts continue, with the priority being the search and rescue of the three missing crew members.
“Depthwize has notified Seplat that the single recorded fatality was a British national. The families of the deceased and the 3 missing crew members have been informed by Depthwize.
“Seplat has notified the authorities of the incident and continues to comply with all regulatory requirements.”
The company had earlier, said: “Seplat as the operator of the SEPLAT/NNPCL joint venture contracted the rig. It was in transit to its planned drilling location at Ovhor in Delta State when it capsized. 92 of the 96-member crew are accounted for and safe. However, tragically one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are still missing.”
