Fire Breaks Out At Nigerian FSO, Crew Survives

A major fire broke out on board a Nigerian floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel, but the crew survived.

All 19 crew members on board the floating storage and offloading vessel Britania U were rescued after the fire broke out.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it had worked with other agencies and rescuers. Also, ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons in the incident. According to local media reports, the crew was rescued by the Nigerian Navy ship NSS Delta.

The agency confirmed over the weekend that all crew members of the FSO at the Ajakba oil field. About 10.77 nautical miles south of the Nigerian Forcados station, are safe and in good condition.

Crew Escapes From Massive Blaze On Nigerian FSO

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but NIMASA public relations director Osagie Edward said the agency has launched an investigation.

The agency is also developing a response plan for oil spills or other incidents that could affect the marine environment and the safety of navigation.

The 4,000 barrels per day Britannia U field is operated by independent Nigerian company Britannia U Nigeria Limited. It is located in the Agaba field, one of 24 marginal fields awarded to 31 Nigerian companies in 2003.

However, the field began production in January 2010, with Britannia-U operators selling crude oil directly to Chevron. That transports the crude oil to the Escravos export terminal via shuttle barges.