10 Workers Missing As Oil Vessel Explodes In Delta

An oil vessel belonging to Shebah Exploration and Production Company  Ltd (SEPCOL) has exploded at the Ukpokiti Terminal, around Excravos in Warri, Delta State.

Naija News gathered that the incident which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday erupted onboard the vessel popularly known as the FPSO Trinity Spirit.

It was learned that ten crew members were within the facility when the incident occurred and had yet to be accounted for as of press time.

A statement on Thursday signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Ikemefuna Okafor, said that investigation is already ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion.

It confirmed that ten oil workers were on the oil facility, stating that everything possible was being done to ensure their safety and security.

The statement read: “The management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in RECEIVERSHIP hereby announces the unfortunate incident of a fire that engulfed our offshore facility, the FPSO Trinity Spirit located at the Ukpokiti Terminal, following an explosion during the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.

“The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation.

“At this time there are no reported fatalities, but we can confirm that there were ten crewmen onboard the vessel before the incident and we are prioritizing investigations concerning their safety and security.

“We appreciate the assistance provided us by the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team operating in the nearby Escravos facility, and our community stakeholders as well as fishermen, who have been of tremendous assistance since the incident happened.

“We have duly notified all relevant authorities and we appeal to the members of the public to stay away from the area while our Crisis Management Team continue to monitor the situation and update all stakeholders with new information as the investigation evolves.”