The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have revealed that the oil rig that capsized on Tuesday at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State, had been illegally operating in Nigerian waters since 2016.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, he stated that the Majestic Rig, owned by Depthwize Nigeria Limited, had been operating without the necessary regulatory approvals since 2016.

According to him, NIMASA has sent a team to the scene of the incident comprised of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers.

In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, which includes safe shipping and cleaner oceans, a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State.

Initial findings has 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 ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was been towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.

NIMASA has initiated contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a conglomerate of all International Oil Companies (IOCs) responsible for the cleaning of Tier 2 oil spill, to establish the level of spillage at the scene of the incident.

In addition, the Agency is in communication with officials of SEPLAT Energy Limited chatterers of the ill-fated Rig who are expected to officially report the incidence within 24 hours in line with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, he stated.