UK: Coastguard Coordinates Evacuation from Two Gas Rigs in North Sea

UK - Coastguard Coordinates Evacuation from Two Gas Rigs in North Sea

On March 25th, around noon, Total E&P UK evacuated non-essential personnel from the Elgin and Rowan Viking offshore facilities located 240km off the coast of Aberdeen.

The evacuation in the central Graben area is due to a well control problem occurring on the wellhead platform at the Elgin field, resulting in a gas release at 12:15pm.

Aberdeen Coastguard is coordinating the orderly evacuation of 209 non essential personnel to a place of safety.

Following the incident, all personnel were called to muster and have been accounted for. No injuries have been reported.

Kevin Brown, Watch Manager, Aberdeen Coastguard, says:

“Emergency procedures have been activated. We are working closely with Total E&P UK Limited. We have three Rescue helicopters on scene and the assistance of four civilian helicopters all aiding with the evacuation process. Work is ongoing to control the release.”

[mappress]

Source: MCA, March 26, 2012; Image: Total