NIMASA Rescues 19 Crew Members From Burning Britania U Vessel In Niger Delta

On Thursday, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received a distress signal from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos regarding the Britania U drilling platform, which was in distress at Ajakpa Field (OML 90), located 10.77 nautical miles south of Forcados Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria.

A statement signed by the NIMASA Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, on Friday said all 19 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, Edward said.

"The Director General of NIMASA, 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 added.