Fire disrupts Shelley well

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK --Non-essential personnel had to be evacuated from the semisubmersible drilling rig Ocean Guardian last night, due to a fire in the engine room. Those remaining extinguished the blaze in a short time.

According to the company, the fire was contained within the engine room, and the well remained under control throughout the incident and remains secure. Crew members were airlifted to nearby platforms during the incidents, but will return to the rig. Oilxeco and the contractor Diamond Offshore Drilling will co-operate with the UK authorities to investigate the incident.

The rig was drilling an appraisal well on the Shelley field in UK North Sea blocks 22/2b and 22/3a for Oilexco North Sea.

08/15/2007