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NIMASA probes midstream vessel collision

By Moses Ebosele
28 October 2015   |   1:45 am
THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced preliminary investigation to ascertain the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the midstream collision of two vessels, MT Elixir and MT Tank near Warri, Delta State.
Jauro

Jauro

THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced preliminary investigation to ascertain the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the midstream collision of two vessels, MT Elixir and MT Tank near Warri, Delta State.

Already, the search and Rescue personnel of NIMASA have rescued three crew members and recovered one body from the accident scene which occurred about 65 miles from shore, just 10 nautical miles south west of the Bonga FPSO.

As at press time on Monday, NIMASA explained that divers and other rescue personnel were still at the site of the incident where eight crew members of MT. Tank appear to have been trapped.

According to NIMASA, preliminary reports revealed that the incident occurred at about 12 mid night on Monday October 19th, 2015, adding, “MT Tank got broken in the process”.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Haruna Jauro said the Agency has made arrangement for an underwater inspection of the sank portion of MT Tank as part of effort to ensure that some persons are not trapped inside accommodation section, adding that the rescue operation is still ongoing as at the time of going to press.

Jauro said: “A team comprising of marine specialists and naval officers have been dispatched to the location of the incident to contribute to the ongoing search and rescue operation”.
As at the time of going to press, the Agency said three persons have been rescued, one dead body recovered while eight crew members are still missing.

He explained that due to the location of the incident, which according to him is prone to pirate’s attacks and rough weather conditions, four naval officers have been placed on board the MT Elixir to provide security to the vessel and crew.
The Acting DG expressed sadness over the loss of life occasioned by the incident, urging crew members to exercise more caution in navigation especially around terminals.

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