Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd (WSPCL) Wednesday said it has hired a US-based contractor to salvage its Rig 110 platform and recover the remains of its employee Pete Phillip who went missing, and is presumed dead, when it suffered a partial collapse last December.
The Rig 110 was conducting drilling at a site at the Heritage Offshore East Field when part of the deck collapsed with 75 people aboard at the time. The rig was evacuated after the collapse.
However, Phillip, 45, has remained missing and despite several searches, his body has not been found.
In its statement, WSPCL, an offshore service firm here, said the US contractor has started salvage and recovery efforts, initiating phase one, which focuses on risk mitigation and site stabilisation to ensure safety of personnel, protection of the marine environment, and the integrity of surrounding assets.
It said regulatory approval for the works has been granted through the issuance of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). and that in addition, ‘Letters of No Objection’ have been received from the relevant stakeholders, inc;uding the Ministry of Energy and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
The oil company said that the second phase will follow upon completion of the stabilisation work and will focus on the recovery of Phillip’s remains, lifting, and removal of the rig structure.
“Mr Phillip’s family has been duly informed of the initiation of Phase 1, including the scope of activities. WSPCL remains committed to a safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible salvage and recovery process, and continues to coordinate closely with regulators and stakeholders throughout the operation.” (CMC)
