Committee begins investigation into fire, explosions in vessels at ports

(Nigeria) A committee set up by the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Idris Umar,  on Wednesday commenced investigation into the causes of explosions in two Nigerian ocean going vessels.

Mr Nureni Kuranga, President, Marine Board of Inquiry, who presided over the meeting in Lagos said that the investigation was fact finding and to advise on ways to avert recurrence.

The vessel, discharging petroleum products at Bonny, River State, caught fire and exploded on September 30, 2012.

Another incident occurred on January 9, 2013, when an oil barge discharging petrol at the MRS Oil and Gas tank farm jetty, caught fire and exploded within the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

“We are here to investigate and establish the circumstances that led to the fire incidents and the subsequent explosions involving the MT African Hyacinth and Barge S.215 and MRS Jetty,’’ Nuranga said.

He said that the body would investigate and establish the owners of the vessels and those connected with it.

Kuranga said that the board would further identify and cross examine the crew members on board the vessels at the time of the incidents.

He said that the board would establish the causes of the incidents, circumstances and the crew members on board the day the incident occurred to determine the veracity of the report on the dead persons.

“We will assess the compliance of such vessels with standard prescribed by the Port State Control and ISPS Code as well as make appropriate recommendations,’’ he said.

Kuranga urged stakeholders to provide evidence that would help to make good recommendations toward averting recurrence.

He ordered the Chief Security Officer of MRS oil to appear before the panel to avoid a bench warrant.

Mr Daniel Okorodudu, Chief Environmental Scientist, National Oil Spill and Response Agency, NOSRA, said that MRS Oil security personnel  denied them access to the premises on the day of the incident.