SEPCOL Gives Update On Crew Members Missing After Vessel Explosion

Shebah Exploration & Production Company (SEPCOL), owners of the FPSO Trinity Spirit located at the Ukpokiti Terminal, has given an update on the ten crew members who were missing after its vessel exploded on Wednesday in Ukpokiti terminal.

Gatekeepers News reports that three crew members have been found alive in the community and in the early hours of Sunday, one dead body was discovered in the vicinity of the FPSO. The body is however yet to be ascertained according to a statement signed by Ikemefuna Okafor, Chief Executive Officer of SEPCOL ((in RECEIVERSHIP).

“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.”