An offshore oil rig owned and operated by Well Services Petroleum Company Limited collapsed early Sunday in waters off Trinidad’s southwest peninsula.
The pre-dawn incident on Rig 110, situated on state-owned Heritage Petroleum’s offshore acreage, prompted a swift evacuation of personnel and an ongoing search and rescue operation.
Energy Minister Stuart Young confirmed the incident, stating, “This unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of this morning. I received my first briefing at around 3:30 a.m. I am aware that the rig is owned and operated by private sector, Well Services. We are assisting via Heritage and will render whatever assistance we can.”
In a statement, Well Services Petroleum Company Limited disclosed that the collapse occurred at approximately 3:09 a.m. on Sunday, during drilling activities aboard Rig 110. The rig had 75 personnel onboard at the time of the incident.
“At approximately 3:09 a.m. on Sunday, an incident occurred aboard Well Services Rig 110, located in the Heritage Offshore East Field. The oil rig, with 75 personnel onboard, was engaged in drilling activities at the time. The incident resulted in one injury, with the injured individual currently in stable condition and receiving medical care. Additionally, one person is missing, and search and rescue efforts are underway. All other personnel have been safely evacuated from the rig,” the company said.
The missing man has been identified as Pete Phillip of La Romaine, San Fernando. His family is reportedly receiving counseling, and Well Services officials have assured that they are providing support during this difficult time.
The injured individual remains under medical care, while rescue efforts to locate Phillip are ongoing. Heritage Petroleum and other agencies continue to monitor and assist in the operation.
