Power failure leads to Falkland rig shutdown

Offshore staff

PORT STANLEY, Falkland Islands – A loss of power occurred on the semisub Ocean Guardian earlier this week while the rig was preparing to transfer to its next well location in the offshore North Falkland basin.

This followed the plugging and abandonment of well 14/10-8 for operator Rockhopper Exploration.

Rockhopper says that all non-essential personnel were flown from the rig by helicopter to Port Stanley as a precautionary measure.

Power has since been re-established and checks are being conducted prior to the anticipated re-manning of the rig and resumption of normal operations within the next week or so.

There has been neither environmental impact nor injuries to personnel onboard, Rockhopper adds.

10/19/2011