By Gwurld4026 
Tragedy Strikes Bonny: Fire Engulfs Cawthorne Channel
On February 19, 2025, a significant fire erupted at the Cawthorne Channel oil facility in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State. The incident involved a dry crude storage barge, BESTAF5, which caught fire around 2:10 PM. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reported that the blaze was successfully contained, and, notably, there were no casualties.
Contrary to initial reports suggesting multiple fatalities, NNPCL’s official statement confirmed the absence of any loss of life. The company has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
The Cawthorne Channel is a critical hub for oil and gas operations in the region. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and emergency response protocols in such facilities.
For a visual account of the incident, you can view the following video: