Nineteen crew members onboard the Britania U drilling platform gutted by fire have been successfully rescued following a distress call at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State.

According to Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said in a statement on Friday by its Assistant Director, Public Relations, Osagie Edwards, that on Thursday, 18th July, 2024, it received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos, that Britania U, a drilling platform was under distress.

He noted that 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, noting that Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola had 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.

Osagie added: “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.”