One dead, three missing as oil rig collapse in Delta

According to reports, one person is dead and three others are missing after the Majestic oil rig near Ovhor collapsed in Delta State on Tuesday.

The swamp drilling rig, run by the Nigerian oil company Depthwize, collapsed early on Tuesday, according to information obtained by Gistlover.

The Seplat/Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited joint venture had a contract with the rig at the time of the incident.

The rig collapsed as it was being transported to its intended drilling site at Ovhor in Delta State.

The incident was confirmed by Roger Brown, CEO of Seplat, in an email to The PUNCH.

 “Ninety-two of the 96-member crew are accounted for and safe. However, tragically, one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are still missing,” the email read in part.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew member who sadly lost his life and the three crew members who are still missing at the time of this report,” Brown added.

Seplat reported that its rescue and emergency response teams, along with the rig owner and the authorities, had been called upon.

 “Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and well-being of all the affected personnel and their families. We will provide further details as our understanding of the incident develops. A detailed investigation into the cause of the accident will follow.”

Checks revealed that the oil rig had experienced a fire as recently as 2018.