All the Shell Flow stations in the west have been evacuated now (some 500 people), except Forcardos and one swamp rig north of Warri.
The expats kidnapped were on a work boat because the Sea Eagle was evacuated by 2 helicopters (at night!! - still no SAR cover).
The dead bodies keep turning up at Benisede. I think the count is up to 15+.
The Nigerian Army is in force at the swamp locations now but I think they are more of a threat than the insurgents. Very undisciplined. One group of soldiers high jacked a helicopter dropping off food to there location in the swamp. They forced the crew to fly them back to Warri. Their comrades remaining on the ground were trying to force the crew not to take them. How do you argue with idiots waving guns in your face inside and outside the aircraft.
Is there not some legal obligation by these multinational companies to provide a safe working environment. Oh no sorry pilots are expendable in this part of the world. Well they must be. There is no interest in creating a proper SAR cover (Especially for night ops where the last helicopter to go down has never been seen or heard of again). And when the sh*t is hitting the fan the pilots are the first ones sent headlong into it.
Nice to know the pilots are appreciated
