Petronas investigating fatal incident involving oil platform and offshore vessel

Malaysian oil and gas player Petronas has started investigating an incident involving its oil platform and an offshore vessel, which resulted in two fatalities.

The incident occurred when the Dayang Topaz vessel collided with the platform on the Petronas-operated Baram field, 14 nautical miles off Miri, on 27 October 2020.

The vessel, owned by DESB Marine Services, was undertaking operational work at the Baram platform for Petronas Carigali, when it made contact with the platforms after its anchor wire gave way during adverse weather.

There were 187 personnel on board at the time of the incident and 125 personnel jumped overboard as a result of the incident.

The affected personnel were eventually rescued by the emergency responders and evacuated to Miri. However, two fatalities were reported.

Petronas said in an update on Thursday that investigations are ongoing into the cause of the incident.

A thorough assessment of the platform structures is being carried out. 

Petronas emphasized it is committed to undertaking all the necessary measures to ensure that the platform structures remain safe and secure.

Preliminary investigations by Petronas also revealed that the incident did not cause any impact on the environment.

Petronas added it will continue to work with the relevant authorities to monitor the situation and conduct further assessments to ensure any eventuality is addressed swiftly.

The oil company is also extending all necessary support to DESB Marine Services in this matter.