Subscribe to RSS feedSetback for Montara leak as West Atlas catches fire
A fire which has been burning at the West Atlas oil rig in the Timor Sea since Sunday is yet to be fully contained, PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) Australasia said this morning.
Investigation announced: West Atlas two months ago
Seawater was being pumped down the relief well from the West Triton rig in an effort to wet the gas and control the fire, PTTEP said early this morning.
The West Atlas rig and Montara wellhead platform caught fire at 1210 hrs Darwin time yesterday during a 'well kill' exercise which involved pumping heavy mud into the leaking well, the rig contractor said.
PTTEP has been attempting to plug the oil leak for more than two months.
"Whilst this operation was in progress, a fire broke out," PTTEP said.
"The fire is burning around the cantilever portion of the West Atlas rig which is located directly above the Montara wellhead platform."
None of the 113 staff onboard the West Triton drilling rig were injured, PTTEP said.
Federal resources and energy minister Martin Ferguson said an independent inquiry would be carried out when the incident was resolved.
| Tweet |
