Shebah Exploration & Production Company Limited (SEPCOL), in receivership, has disclosed that three crew members who sustained injuries in the unfortunate fire that engulfed its FPSO Trinity Spirit vessel on February 2, this year, have been discharged from hospital.
This was disclosed Sunday night by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, as he reeled out plans being made to support victims of the Vessel inferno.
“The company has been in contact with the three survivors and their family members and we will ensure that all three received appropriate medical care in hospital”, he said.
Mr. Okafor emphasised that since February 3, 2022 when the fire was contained, management of Sepcol in receivership has been working relentlessly with relevant authorities, agencies, experts, and the communities, with clear focus on Search & Rescue of the 10 crew members.
He said the company has also prioritised Police Investigations, and Environmental damage assessment, and it is pursuing the two with zeal and total commitment.
“We have kept up the Search and Rescue efforts, with the collaboration of the Police, NUPRC, NIMASA, NOSDRA, Marine Police, the communities, and local fishermen,” he said, adding that community leaders and traditional rulers have also been of great support.
Mr. Okafor also disclosed that a total of five bodies have so far been found on and around the FPSO. The bodies have been handed over to the Police for due process to establish the identities of the deceased persons.
He said a Forensic Pathologist and a Coroner have been appointed to assist with the autopsy and identification processes.
We have kept the families abreast of the developments and apprised them of the relevant next steps in the investigation processes, he noted.
Furthermore, the company has provided interim financial support to the immediate families and dependents of all 10 persons on board.
Mr. Okafor also disclosed that the company recently found new information that persons who were not authorised nor scheduled to be on duty on the FPSO were in fact on the vessel at the time of the incident.
He said this is a significant development but the company has visited the families in sympathy, and the Police has been notified for further investigation.
“We are eager for the autopsy and identification processes to be concluded as soon as possible so that families can have the certainty and closure that they need”, he stressed.
He said Sepcol has focused efforts on minimising any damage that the incident might have caused to the environment and have been cooperating with the relevant authorities and regulatory agencies carrying out the investigations.
He noted that Aerial surveillance by overflights around the FPSO area and the shoreline have been ongoing, led by NOSDRA and supported by Clean Nigeria Associates (CNA), NUPRC and neighbouring IOCs (Chevron and Shell).
He said until the final reports from these investigations are released by the relevant authorities and agencies, the company is not at liberty to make any declarations as to the level of environmental impact or any conclusions as to the cause of the explosion.
“We will continue to monitor developments in the investigations and update all stakeholders with new information accordingly”, he said.
The CEO appealed to the public, in the interest of safety and the investigation process, to stay away from the vessel, and not attempt to scavenge for parts and equipment from the vessel.