The Management of Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited on Tuesday said five bodies had been recovered from the explosion that engulfed its vessel at the Ukpokiti terminal in Delta State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Ikemefuna Okafor.
The statement noted that the recovered bodies were handed over to the police.
Also, a forensic pathologist and a coroner were said to have been appointed to assist with the autopsy and identification process.
The statement read in part, “Since the 3rd of February 2022 when the fire was contained, the company has been working relentlessly with relevant authorities, agencies, experts, and the communities, focused on the search and rescue of 10 crew members.”
It, however, noted that new information revealed that “persons who were not authorised or scheduled to be on duty on the FPSO were in fact on the vessel at the time of the incident. This is a significant development.
“We have been in regular contact with the three survivors and their family members and ensured that all three received appropriate medical care in a hospital. They have all been discharged from the hospital and the company has continuously offered support with any post-trauma care that may be required.
“So far, a total of five bodies have been found on and around the FPSO. The bodies have been handed over to the police for due process to establish the identities of the deceased persons.
“We are eager for the autopsy and identification processes to be concluded as soon as possible so that families can have the certainty and closure that they need,” the statement added.
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