Salvage crew stabilizes storm-hit drilling rig offshore India

Jan. 4, 2019
ONGC had to mobilize a team of specialists offshore eastern India last month, after Cyclone Pethai caused the semisubmersible drilling rig Olinda Star to tilt at an angle.

Offshore staff

NEW DELHI, IndiaONGC had to mobilize a team of specialists offshore eastern India last month, after Cyclone Pethai caused the semisubmersible drilling rig Olinda Star to tilt at an angle.

After a warning by India’s Met Department of the storm’s approach, the 111 personnel onboard the rig were evacuated on Dec. 14 and 15 using helicopters and boats.

As large swells hindered the approach to the rig via sea, Indian Navy helicopters were brought in to take ONGC’s 12-strong team to the rig’s deck on Dec. 21.

According to ONGC, inspection revealed no structural damage and all equipment appeared to be operable. The salvage crew successfully started the ballasting system to level the rig and restore it to normal within a few hours.

They also switched on the main generators and conducted tests on other machines and equipment and concluded that the rig could safely re-start operations.

TheOlinda Star has been performing deepwater drilling for ONGC in the region since January 2018, and is said to be fully certified by all required international statutory and regulatory agencies and by national safety regulators such as OISD.

01/04/2019