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