Saipem drilling rig sinks offshore Angola
The Saipem-operated jack-up drilling rig Perro Negro 6 (with no personnel onboard) capsized and sank on July 1, 10:30 am offshore Angola. The event occurred during the rig positioning on location prior to starting drilling operations, between the coasts of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the mouth of the Congo River, in approximately 40 metres of water, the Company said in a press release.
The emergency procedures were promptly activated to ensure the evacuation of the personnel on-board. After the sudden and significant tilting, among the 103 crew members, one was recorded missing and another six incurred minor injuries.
At this moment, no environmental impacts have been reported, and all the prevention measures are being implemented.
The Saipem emergency response team is mobilised and is working closely with the Angolan Authorities and the Client’s operational team.
Saipem is covered by insurance for loss of equipment, wreck removal, as well as for any possible environmental damages.
About Saipem
Saipem is organised into two Business Units: Engineering & Construction and Drilling, with a strong bias towards oil & gas related activities in remote areas and deepwater. Saipem is a leader in the provision of engineering, procurement, project management and construction services with distinctive capabilities in the design and execution of large-scale offshore and onshore projects, and technological competences such as gas monetisation and heavy oil exploitation.
