The management of Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited has announced the recovery of three dead bodies from the FPSO Trinity Spirit vessel which exploded at the Ukpokiti terminal, Escravos, Delta State.
The SEPCO Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, in a statement on Monday, said one dead body was recovered in the early hours of Sunday, while two more bodies were discovered on Sunday afternoon.
Okafor said, “We reported that on Sunday morning, February 6, 2022, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency notified us of a dead body found floating in the vicinity of the FPSO.
“We can confirm today (Monday) that two other dead bodies were discovered on the deck of the vessel in the afternoon of the same Sunday.”
He disclosed that investigations were ongoing into the explosion and fire that engulfed the vessel on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
The SEPCO chief said, “We have made incident reports to the police and relevant authorities to assist the ongoing investigation, and due process to establish the identities of the dead bodies is underway.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the victims of this unfortunate incident, and we are on hand to provide support to them as required.
“Thus far, the potential total number of the crew members accounted for is six, including the three persons who were found alive last week.
“Our priority remains focused on establishing the whereabouts, safety, and security of the four crew members still missing.
“Furthermore, our efforts are geared towards cleaning up the area to minimise any damage to the environment and seeking to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.”
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]