Capsized Majestic rig, property of Depthwize Nigeria Limited - Seplat

By Abiodun OBA

The rig that collapsed on Tuesday is a property of Depthwize Nigeria Limited and not that of Seplat Energy.

The clarification was made on Thursday by Seplat Energy in a statement.

The company was initially believed to be the owner of the rig.

The company the statement disclosed is still searching for the three missing crew members following the capsize of the Majestic rig in the swamp of Delta state on Tuesday.

“Contrary to some media reports, the Majestic rig is owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited and not Seplat. As stated in our previous announcement, the rig was in transit to its next drill location at Ovhor.

“Seplat is the operator of OMLs 4, 38 & 41 on behalf of the NNPCEPL/SEPLAT Joint Venture.

“Seplat Energy alongside Depthwize, is continuing the search for the 3 missing crew members. Divers and other emergency services are on-site, and as of 9 am, the missing crew members remain unaccounted for,” Seplat said in the statement.

The company added that of the other 92 crew members, 10 were admitted to hospital and stayed overnight.

“We are pleased to say the 10 crew members have all now been discharged from hospital. Seplat continues to support Depthwize with the emergency response and rescue efforts continue, with the priority being the search and rescue of the 3 missing crew members,” it said.

The company said Depthwize has notified it that the single recorded fatality was a British national, saying that the families of the deceased and the three missing crew members had been informed by Depthwize.

“Seplat has notified the authorities of the incident and continues to comply with all regulatory requirements,” it stated.