Hercules Offshore Loses Liftboat to Chevron Rig Fire in Nigeria

After a Chevron Corporation rig fire in Nigeria, drilling contractor, Hercules Offshore, is reporting that they may have lost a liftboat that was adjacent to the rig during the fire. The Mako was a 175’ class liftboat that was reportedly engulfed by the flames.

Generally used to carry equipment and supplies to aid offshore activity, the liftboat was providing extra storage services near the KS Endeavor rig. Hercules has not yet confirmed the total damage to the vessel that has an $8 million insurance value, but it visually looks significantly damaged. Fortunately though, the company can confirm that all 27 crew members aboard the boat were safely rescued and transported to a local facility for medical treatment and evaluations.

Chevron is still searching for two missing contractors following the rig fire. The KS Endeavor was operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria Ltd. Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, have been notified and are working both cases. 

See our prior coverage on the fire: Fire Breaks Out on Chevron Oil Rig in Southeast Nigeria