All 19 crew members aboard the Britannia U drilling platform which was engulfed by fire recently have been rescued, Science Nigeria understands.
Recall that the on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received distress signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (RMRCC) Lagos regarding the Britania U drilling platform, which was in distress at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles south of Forcados Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria.
The agency, in collaboration with other responding agencies and first responders, ensured the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons during the incident.
Director-general of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola has established an incident command centre 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.
In accordance with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the agency’s marine accident investigation unit has initiated an investigation into the direct and remote causes of this regrettable mishap. The findings of the investigation will be published, and recommendations arising from it will be implemented.
