Transocean’s Sedco Express Coordinates Rescue of 13 from Ablaze Tanker

While on contract with ENI offshore Nigeria last week, Transocean’s ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig, Sedco Express (EXS), coordinated an at-sea firefighting rescue of the crew of a bunkering tanker which had caught fire nearby.

After receiving a report that the nearby M/T Okiki had caught fire, Sedco Express’ watch officers dispached the FSV Abraham to the scene while the Captain Romulo Oliveira and his EXS team assumed the role of on-scene coordinator for the response.  

Mayday-relay messages sent by the rig were acknowledged by Seacor Marine’s 220′ Platform Supply Vessel Al-Kat which promptly proceeded to the distress location. Al-Kat engaged in remote firefighting after the crew abandoned the tanker.

Transocean notes that 13 of the 14 crew members on board the tanker were safely rescued by FSV Abraham where they were subsequently transferred to the Sedco Express for medical attention.  The missing man has not been found despite the efforts of the vessels during the search and rescue operations.

“The key to the effective assistance during this difficult situation was good coordination of the situation by the EXS team and the full support received from our customer deploying every available resource at the time,” said Jelle Gepkens, Sedco Express’ Offshore Installation Manager. “The timely response combined with the team spirit has truly saved lives.”

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency praised the efforts of those involved in the rescue.