Offshore worker missing from North Sea rig

Air and sea search operations have been launched in the UK sector of the North Sea for an offshore worker missing from the Noble Corporation-owned jack-up rig Noble Lloyd Noble.

The rig is working on the Statoil-operated Mariner field in the North Sea, approximately 90 miles (150km) east of Shetland.

According to Scotland Police, around 9.20pm on Tuesday a report was received that a 49 year-old man who had been working on the Noble Lloyd Noble installation could not be located on board. Following initial searches of the installation, Police were informed.

Inspector Steve McEwan said: “An extensive search of the rig itself and the water surrounding has been done, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This involved the use of a search and rescue helicopter, two standby vessels and a platform supply vessel.

“We are working closely with the companies involved and next of kin to keep them informed of any developments”.

Offshore Energy Today has reached out to the owner of the rig and the field operator seeking confirmation and further details.

A spokesperson for Statoil said: “Statoil has mobilized its emergency response teams to support Noble’s incident management team and the authorities and agencies involved in the search for the missing person. Our primary focus is on the safety and security of all personnel on board and we will continue to do everything we can to help with the ongoing search efforts and to support the family and colleagues of the missing person.”

Noble Lloyd Noble is one of the world’s largest jack-up drilling rigs. It started production drilling on the Mariner field last December. Up to five wells will be drilled on the field before the Mariner A platform hook up and commissioning activity starts in the summer. First oil from Mariner is expected in 2018.

Offshore Energy Today Staff