Rescue workers fish out three of 10 crew members caught in last week’s oil vessel explosion and fire at Ukpokiti Terminal.
Management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCL), owners of the vessel Trinity Spirit, announced the cheery news today.
The oil vessel, anchored at Ukpokiti Terminal, caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday, 2 February 2022.
Rescuer workers and local fishermen are still searching for the remaining seven, SEPCOL chief executive, Ikemefuna Okafor, said in a statement.
“We can confirm that three (3) crew members have been found alive in the community.
“Our priority is to ensure that they receive the appropriate medical attention they need,” he said.
In addition, Ikemefuna said another body was found early today but its identity is yet to be established.
The vessel fire burnt out on Thursday and this enabled the rescuers to have a closer inspection of the damage.
Accordingly, “relevant authorities, stakeholders and expert organisations” carried out a joint investigation visit yesterday 5 February.
The team, Ikemefuna said, is keen to establish the whereabouts of the remaining seven crew members.
It’s task also include “clean up and limit damage to the environment and establish the cause of the explosion.”
Ikemefuna thanked Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team, NOSDRA, NUPRC, SPDC, NIMASA and community fishermen” for their assistance.
He asked members of the public to “continue to keep away from the area.”
3 rescued from oil vessel explosion and fire
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