Ten Dead, One Missing in Tug Capsizing Incident Offshore Nigeria

Sea Trucks Group, the owner of the anchor handling tug Jascon 4, which sunk while on a static tow of a tanker 15 Nm offshore Escravos, Nigeria on Sunday 26 May, today informed that the search and rescue operation has been stopped.

The company explained that the search & rescue attempts which have been underway since 26 May 2013 had to be stopped for safety reasons.

“The vessel, Jascon 4,which is located some 30 metres under water in an upside down position, has become so unstable that the risk of injury to our rescue divers has become unacceptably high,” said the owner of the ship in the statement e-mailed to Offshore Energy Today.

Related: Cook Rescued from Jascon-4 Vessel (Nigeria)

 During the rescue operation of the last four days, ten bodies have been recovered, one crew member is still missing and, as reported on 29 May, one survivor, Mr. Okene Harrison, was found. Mr. Harrison has been brought to the surface safely and he continues to respond to treatment.

“Our divers performed an extremely difficult and dangerous task in the most testing of conditions and we are grateful for their professional service as well as the contributions of many other personnel who gave all their efforts to this challenging recovery operation,” the company added.

Jacques Roomans, the CEO of West African Ventures commented: “The families of all crew members have been informed of the outcome of the rescue operation and West African Ventures will continue to give all support possible to the families of our deceased and missing colleagues. We extend our deepest sympathy to all of them”.