In an effort to minimize casualties resulting from the collapse of the 'Majestic' rig owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited and leased by Seplat Petroleum, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has dispatched a search and rescue team to the accident site.

Simultaneously, the Agency is conducting an investigation into the incidents surrounding the Panama-flagged rig that has been operating in Nigerian waters since 2016 without obtaining necessary approvals from NIMASA.

The 'Majestic' rig capsized on Tuesday at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State, resulting in the loss of a British life, while three individuals remain unaccounted for as of the time of this report.

NIMASA's response aligns with its mandate of ensuring maritime safety and cleaner oceans. Marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.

According to a statement released by the agency, "Initial findings confirmed that the ill-fated rig is Panama-flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without requisite approvals from the Agency."

The rig, an ABS Classed inland Water Drilling barge with dimensions of 232 feet in length and a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet, collapsed during its tow from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 en route to Ovhor 21, part of the SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.

NIMASA has established contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a consortium of International Oil Companies (IOCs) responsible for managing Tier 2 oil spills, to assess the extent of any potential spillage at the accident site.

Furthermore, the agency is in communication with officials from Seplat Energy Limited, the charterers of the ill-fated rig. These officials are expected to formally report the incident within 24 hours in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.