Tragedy as one dead, three missing in Delta oil rig collapse

Tragedy struck as one person has reportedly died while three others went missing in an oil rig, Majestic near Ovhor, collapsed in Delta State in the early hours of Tuesday.

This was confirmed through an email made available to newsmen by Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown.

National Periscope learned that the swamp drilling rig operated by a Nigerian oil firm, Depthwize and it was contracted by the Seplat/Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited joint venture when the incident occurred.

The rig was said to be in transit to its planned drilling location at Ovhor in Delta State when it collapsed.

Through the email, Brown disclosed that Ninety-two of the 96-member crew are accounted for and safe. However, tragically, one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are still missing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew member who sadly lost his life and the three crew members who are still missing at the time of this report.” He noted.

Seplat said its emergency response and rescue response working alongside the rig owner and the authorities had been deployed.

“Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and well-being of all the affected personnel and their families. We will provide further details as our understanding of the incident develops. A detailed investigation into the cause of the accident will follow.”