NIGERIA — The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has revealed that the oil rig, which capsized on Tuesday in Delta State, had been operating illegally in Nigerian waters since 2016.
In a statement released by the Head of Public Relations of the agency, Osagie Edward, it was explained that the Majestic Rig belonged to Depthwize Nigeria Limited and had been functioning without the necessary regulatory approvals.
The rig was being towed from the N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 to Ovhor 21, which belongs to the SEPLAT oil field in Delta State when it collapsed.
The incident prompted NIMASA to dispatch a team of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers to the scene.
The agency has also contacted Clean Nigerian Associate to assess the level of oil spillage, while officials of SEPLAT Energy Limited are expected to report the incident within 24 hours, in line with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.
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