By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced the successful rescue of all 19 crew members of onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform which was distressed on Thursday.
The agency in a statement on Friday disclosed it deployed its personnel to the location for the rescue operation immediately it received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos, that Britania U, a drilling platform was under distress at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria.
The statement signed by the Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward disclosed 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.
This is as it further said that the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has set up an incident command center in the office of the Executive Director Operations of NIMASA to prepare an effective situation-based response plan against oil spillage or other incidents affecting the marine environment and safety of navigation.
In addition, it was disclosed that in line with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the NIMASA 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 from it will be implemented.
