Shebah Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL), says it discovered one dead body in the vicinity of the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal in the early hours of Sunday.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, who revealed this in a statement, said the identity of the deceased has not been ascertained.
He also confirmed that three of the ten crew members, who were said to be onboard the FPSO before the explosion, have been found in the community where the incident happened.
His statement reads in parts: “Further update on the missing crew members. Following the unfortunate explosion and subsequent fire that engulfed the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal in the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022, 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”.
“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”
He advised members of the public to continue to keep away from the area, while his company’s Crisis Management Team monitors developments in the investigations and updates all stakeholders with new information accordingly.
