Chevron Nigeria Limited, said it was working to contain a fire that ignited yesterday aboard the K.S. Endeavor, a drilling rig offshore Nigeria operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria Limited. The rig was drilling a natural gas exploration well, located in the Funiwa Field approximately six miles (10 kilometers) offshore and in approximately 40 feet (12 meters) of water.
One hundred and fifty-four personnel were on the rig and an associated barge. Two contractors are still unaccounted for while all others are safe and undergoing medical examinations at an adjacent production platform. Aggressive search and rescue activities continue for the two missing personnel.
“Every effort is being made to find the missing workers. They are our utmost priority,” said Andrew Fawthrop, managing director, Chevron’s Nigeria/Mid-Africa Strategic Business Unit . “We do not know what caused the incident. We are working diligently to contain the fire, which is restricted to the rig. Substantial resources have been deployed including well control specialists and drilling experts. We continue to work in full cooperation with Nigerian authorities and are committed to providing additional information as it becomes known.”
Production from Chevron’s North Apoi platform was shut in due to its proximity to the incident.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, January 17, 2012; Image: kse-aos