The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has set up an incident command centre after the Britiana U vessel fire incident.
The establishment of the incident centre was triggered by distress signal recieved by the agency on Thursday, by the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos.
The Head, Public Relations of NIMASA, Osagie Edward made the disclosure in a statement obtained by NewsNGR.
NIMASA said the signal was regarding an incident involving Britania U, a drilling platform which was under distress.
Britania U is located at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria.
The agency confirmed that, “All nineteen crew members onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform were successfully rescued from the Vessel.”
NIMASA said it 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.
NIMASA’s Marine Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the direct and remote causes of this unfortunate mishap, it said.
The agency also noted that the outcome of the investigation would be published and implement recommendations arising.
NIMASA said, “The Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola has set up an incident command center in the office of the Agency’s Executive Director Operations, to prepare an effective situation-based response plan against oil spillage or other incidents affecting the marine environment and safety of navigation.”