Offshore staff
HOUSTON – A Petrobras-operated FPSO exploded February 11, killing several onboard and injuring more, Reuters reported. Out of 74 workers onboard, numerous are still missing, likely to raise the death toll.
The Cidade de Sao Mateus facility, rented from BW Offshore, operating on the Camarupim and Camarupim Norte fields, is located roughly 60 mi (97 km) off the coast of Espirito Santo state. The vessel was mostly a natural gas producer with a capacity of 2.2 MMcm/d, according to the National Petroleum Agency of Brazil. The unit had been operating since June 2009.
"It is with deep sadness that we learned that at 12:50 hrs yesterday an explosion occurred on board the FPSO Cidade de Sao Mateus, which we operate on behalf of Petrobras in Brazil,” stated Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Offshore.
“Based on the latest information we have, five fatalities have been confirmed. Four of our men are still missing. All others are accounted for and receiving medical care where needed, with two in critical condition and have been taken off the unit. Next of kin is informed, and crew and families are now receiving support from our local response team. Production has been stopped and the unit has been shut down. We will keep this website updated with the latest accurate information. Our thoughts and focus remain on the crew and families."
Petrobras reportedly triggered the emergency response immediately, halting production and the unit was shut down. The Camarupim concession is operated by Petrobras (100%), and the Camarupim Norte concession is a partnership between Petrobras (75%) and Ouro Preto Energia (25%).
02/12/2015
