The Gabonese government held a funeral ceremony on Friday at the Port-Gentil municipal fairgrounds to honor the victims of the October 25 accident on the Prospector 5 offshore oil rig. The ceremony was attended by government officials, including the Ministers of Labor, Oil, and Interior, as well as local authorities, families, and colleagues of the deceased. The event was a somber occasion, with many paying their respects to the victims.
The accident occurred on October 25, off the coast of Mayumba in the Nyanga province, and resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The government has confirmed that 110 employees were rescued and are receiving medical, psychological, and post-traumatic care. The incident has sparked an administrative and technical investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
During the ceremony, Labor Minister Adrien Nguema Mba spoke on behalf of the government, expressing condolences to the families of the victims. He assured them that their rights would be respected and that the necessary procedures for compensation, insurance guarantees, and social security benefits would be activated. The minister also announced that an investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding the accident.
The Union of Gabonese Oil Workers (UPEGA) has called for the tragedy to be a turning point in the safety culture within the oil industry. UPEGA President Arthur Mbina Nzamba emphasized the need for enhanced preventive measures and sustainable support for affected families. The organization is advocating for a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A total of three victims were accounted for, with two bodies exposed at the Port-Gentil fairgrounds. One victim, a Muslim, was buried on the same day according to Islamic customs, while the body of Croatian national Damir Parac was repatriated to his home country. The funeral processions for the two victims exposed on Friday took place on Friday and Saturday, as per the families' wishes.
The search for the last missing worker, an Indian national, continues. The government has assured that it will do everything possible to locate the individual and provide closure for the families. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in the oil industry, and the government has pledged to take all necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies.
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the risks faced by workers in the oil industry and the importance of prioritizing their safety. The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the families of the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The incident will be subject to a thorough investigation, and the findings will inform future policy and regulatory decisions.
Key points
- The Gabonese government has activated procedures for compensation and social security benefits for the victims' families.
- An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
- The search for the last missing worker, an Indian national, continues.
