Saipem informs that last night, July 1, the jack up drilling rig Perro Negro 6, due to the collapsing of the seabed under one of the three legs, suddenly tilted and suffered hull damages, causing water intake.
The event occurred during the rig positioning on location prior to starting drilling operations, between the coasts of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the mouth of the Congo River, in approximately 40 metres of water.
At 10.30 AM CEST, the rig, with no personnel on-board, capsized and sank.
The emergency procedures were promptly activated last night to ensure the evacuation of the personnel on-board. After the sudden and significant tilting, among the 103 crew members, one was recorded missing and another six incurred minor injuries.
At this moment, no environmental impacts have been reported, and all the prevention measures are being implemented.
The Saipem emergency response team is mobilised and is working closely with the Angolan Authorities and the Client’s operational team.
Saipem is covered by insurance for loss of equipment, wreck removal, as well as for any possible environmental damages.
Further information will be provided as soon as available.
[mappress] Press Release, July 03, 2013