Shallow Water Rig Capsizes in Niger Delta

Nigerian oil and gas company Seplat Energy has confirmed on person has died and three others are missing after the shallow water drilling rig Majestic capsized in the Niger Delta early Tuesday morning.

The rig was reportedly in-transit to its drilling location in Ovhor in Nigeria’s Delta State when it capsized with 96 people on board.

The Majestic rig is owned by Depthwise and contracted to a joint venture between Seplat and Nigerian government-owned NNPC Limited. The rig is designed to operate in swamp environments and the shallow offshore waters in water depths ranging from 8 to 24 feet.

Video of the incident posted online shows the rig capsized in a swampy area as vessels assist with the rescue.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew member who sadly lost his life and the three other crew members who are still missing at the time of this report,” Seplat said in a statement on yesterday. “Our emergency response and rescue efforts working alongside the rig owner and the authorities have been activated and are onsite. Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and wellbeing of all the affected personnel and their families.”

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