The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) has confirmed the safety and successful rescue of the 19 crew members who were onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform, which was engulfed by fire on Thursday.
Giving a status report of the incident on Friday, NIMASA said it actually received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos on Thursday, that Britania U, a drilling platform “was under distress at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria
In statement signed by its Head, Public Relations; Osagie Edward, NIMASA said it “collaborated with other responding agencies and first responders to ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons during the incident”.
The statement added that, Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has, in addition set up an incident command center in the office of the Agency’s Executive Director Operations, to prepare an effective situation-based response plan against oil spillage or other incidents affecting the marine environment and safety of navigation.
“Furthermore, in line with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Agency’s Marine Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the direct and remote causes of this unfortunate mishap. The outcome of the investigation will be published and recommendations arising therefrom implemented”, the statement disclosed.
