Seplat Energy Says Oil Worker Died as Rig Capsized in Nigeria’s Delta State

By Obafemi Oredein

IBADAN, Nigeria–Seplat Energy said Tuesday that its depthwise swamp drilling rig Majestic capsized in Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta state while in transit resulting in the death of one worker.
The rig was in transit to its planned drilling location at Ovhor when the incident occurred.

Ninety-two of the 96-member crew are accounted for and safe, while three other rig personnel are still missing, Roger Brown, Seplat’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Seplat as the operator of the Seplat/Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. joint venture contracted the rig.
“Our emergency response and rescue efforts working alongside the rig owner and the authorities have been activated and are onsite. Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and wellbeing of all the affected personnel and their families,” the statement added.
The company will provide further details as the incident develops and a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident will follow.