FPSO Vessel Explosion: 3 Crew Members Survived, 7 Still Missing, One Dead Body Found, Says SEPCOL

The Management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in receivership, owners of the exploded FPSO Trinity Spirit vessel located in Ukpokiti Terminal, on Sunday, said that three crew members of the vessel survived the explosion whereas the whereabout of seven others remained unknown.

The company, in a latest update by its Chief Executive Officer, Ikemefuna Okafor, said that in the early hours of Sunday 6th February 2022, one dead body was discovered in the vicinity of the FPSO but the identity of the dead body is yet to be ascertained.

BIGPENNGR had reported the unfortunate explosion which caused fire that engulfed the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal in the early hours of Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.

Okafor, on Sunday, in his latest update, said; “We can confirm that three (3) crew members have been found alive in the community and our priority is to ensure that they receive the appropriate medical attention they need.

“Furthermore, in the early hours of Sunday 6th February 2022, one dead body was discovered in the vicinity
of the FPSO. The identity of the dead body is yet to be ascertained.

“As earlier confirmed, the fire burnt out completely as of Thursday afternoon, 3rd Feb. 2022, thus enabling closer inspection of the vessel. A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) with the relevant
authorities, stakeholders, and expert organisations took place on Saturday, 5th February 2022.

“The focus of our joint efforts is to prioritise investigations towards establishing the whereabouts, safety, and security of the 7 crew members still missing, clean up and limit damage to the environment, and establish the cause of the explosion.

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“We appreciate the assistance provided by the Clean Nigeria Associates, the Chevron team, NOSDRA, NUPRC, SPDC, NIMASA and people in the community, particularly the fishermen,who have been of immense assistance since the incident occurred.

“Members of the public should continue to keep away from the area while our Crisis Management Team monitors developments in the investigations and update all stakeholders with new information accordingly”, the statement added..