By Barnabas Esiet.
Nineteen crew members on board the drilling platform, Britania U, were successfully rescued in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta after a fire broke out on the vessel.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) responded promptly to distress signals received on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos.
NIMASA collaborated with other agencies and first responders to ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and others exposed during the incident at Ajakpa Field, South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria.
Following the incident, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, established an incident command center to prepare a situation-based response plan to address potential oil spillage or other incidents affecting the marine environment and navigation safety.
The Agency’s Marine Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the direct and remote causes of the incident, in line with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.
NIMASA has assured that the investigation’s outcome will be published, and recommendations implemented.
This swift response demonstrates NIMASA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and the marine environment in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The agency’s prompt action and collaboration with other responders averted a potential catastrophe, showcasing its dedication to preventing and mitigating maritime incidents.
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