All crew members safe, unhurt in Brittania-U vessel accident – NIMASA

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has disclosed that all crew members in board the Brittania-U vessel are safe and unhurt.

NewsDirect reports that the vessel operating in Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State was engulfed in an explosion.

However in a statement, NIMASA noted that it received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos, that a drilling platform was under distress.

The agency further dissuaded rumours of the death of any crew member noting that all nineteen crew members onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform were successfully rescued from the Vessel.

“The Agency collaborated with other responding Agencies and first responders to ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons during the incident.” The statement disclosed.

Likewise, the agency revealed that it’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola has set up an incident command center 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.

“Furthermore, in line with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Agency’s Marine Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the direct and remote causes of this unfortunate mishap. The outcome of the investigation will be published and recommendations arising therefrom implemented.” The statement read.