The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that the fire outbreak at the Cawthorne Channel 1 oil facility in Rivers State has been successfully brought under control.
The fire, which started at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, originated from the BESTAF5 crude storage barge before spreading to other barges in the vicinity. The Cawthorne Channel, located near the Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas, is a critical hub for **oil and gas operations in the region.
However, a swift emergency response by NNPCL’s teams and industry partners helped contain the fire and prevent further damage.
In a statement on Thursday, Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, confirmed that the incident did not disrupt flow station operations in the area.
Soneye also reassured the public that there were no casualties and that all personnel remained safe.
“Most importantly, there were no casualties, and all personnel are safe,” he added.
NNPCL reiterated its commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity.
“NNPC Ltd. prioritises safety and remains fully committed to environmental protection and operational integrity,” Soneye affirmed.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, it was recalled that a twin explosion occurred on Wednesday night at two flow stations near the Cawthorne Channel, off the Bonny coastline, raising concerns about potential damage and casualties. The blasts reportedly affected several facilities about 30 nautical miles from Bonny’s shore.
