Hercules Offshore today provided updates to the incident aboard jackup drilling rig Hercules 265, a 250′ mat-supported cantilevered unit, operating for Walter Oil & Gas Corporation in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico OCS lease block South Timbalier 220.
Late yesterday evening, the natural gas flowing from the well ignited which spread to the rig. The extent of the damage to the rig is currently unknown. The Company is currently working with its customer, Walter Oil & Gas, and regulatory authorities to determine the cause of the incident, but immediate focus is on stopping the flow of natural gas from the well. All parties involved are working with third-party experts to develop a plan to regain control over the natural gas well, which could include the drilling of a relief well.
As previously reported, all 44 personnel aboard the jackup rig were safely evacuated during the afternoon of July 23rd. There have been no injuries sustained as a result of this incident.
[mappress] July 24, 2013; Image: BSEE