Nigeria: Chevron Calls Off Search for Missing Workers

Chevron has suspended the search and rescue activities for two workers who were missing after Monday’s fire aboard the K.S. Endeavor, a drilling rig offshore Nigeria operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria Limited.

“After three days of intensive search and rescue activities for our missing colleagues, I am saddened to report that our efforts have proven unsuccessful and, therefore, we have made the difficult decision to transition to a recovery operation. On behalf of Chevron, we extend our sincere condolences to the families of the missing individuals,” said Andrew Fawthrop, managing director, Chevron’s Nigeria/Mid-Africa Strategic Business Unit.

Chevron is mobilizing the Transocean rig Baltic to commence drilling a relief well and said the time required to complete the relief well is uncertain, but could extend for some period.

152 workers on the shallow water rig and associated barge were safely evacuated from the incident, which occurred about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from shore. Two workers who received medical care for burns have been released from the hospital.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, January 19, 2012; Image: Chevron