[Update] BSEE, USCG Respond to Well Control Event, Fire Offshore Louisiana
The Hercules 265 drilling rig pictured is jacked-up over the smaller unmanned platform, as is typical during drilling operations. The platform is not visible. The cloud pictured is natural gas from the well.
Update: Both BSEE and Coast Guard conducted overflights this morning to assess the situation. Coast Guard confirmed that the fire began at 10:45 p.m. CDT July 23. There is no observed sheen on the water surface. As the rig fire continues, the beams supporting the derrick and rig floor have folded and have collapsed over the rig structure.
Two firefighting vessels were in the area and re-located to a safe distance from the fire. A third vessel equipped with fire-fighting capability and improved monitoring system is enroute and expected to arrive late morning. The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Pompano is standing by to assess the situation and enforce the security zone. The Coast Guard Cutter Cypress is enroute and will arrive at approximately noon.
Under BSEE’s direction, Walter Oil & Gas has begun preparations to move a jack-up rig on location to potentially drill a relief well. BSEE continues to review and approve all operational plans and procedures. BSEE's priority throughout this operation is the safety of the offshore workers and the protection of the environment.
Hercules Offshore released the following statement on July 24:
Hercules Offshore provided updates to the incident aboard jackup drilling rig Hercules 265, a 250' mat-supported cantilevered unit, operating for Walter Oil & Gas Corporation in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico OCS lease block South Timbalier 220. Late yesterday evening, the natural gas flowing from the well ignited which spread to the rig. The extent of the damage to the rig is currently unknown. The Company is currently working with its customer, Walter Oil & Gas, and regulatory authorities to determine the cause of the incident, but our immediate focus is on stopping the flow of natural gas from the well. All parties involved are working with third-party experts to develop a plan to regain control over the natural gas well, which could include the drilling of a relief well.
The Company is awaiting daylight to assess any potential environmental incident.
As previously reported, all 44 personnel aboard the jackup rig were safely evacuated during the afternoon of July 23rd. There have been no injuries sustained as a result of this incident.
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The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the U. S. Coast Guard have stood up a Command Center in their continued response to the loss of well control event 55 miles offshore Louisiana in 154 feet of water. Walter Oil and Gas Corporation experienced a loss of control of Well A-3 at approximately 8:45 a.m. yesterday on an unmanned platform at South Timbalier Block 220 while doing completion work on the sidetrack well to prepare the well for production. The operator reported the safe evacuation of 44 personnel, corrected from earlier reports of 47, from the Hercules 265 jack-up rig.
The well continues to flow natural gas. From a BSEE overflight earlier, BSEE inspectors reported a cloud of natural gas above the rig and a light sheen on the water one-half mile by 50 feet in area that is quickly dissipating.
“BSEE’s efforts are focused on bringing this loss of well control event to a safe resolution,” stated Lars Herbst, BSEE Gulf of Mexico Regional Director. “Offshore oil and gas operators need to re-affirm their aggressive approach to the safety of well operations in light of this event and other recent well control events.”
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A firefighting vessel was expected to be on location last night with both water and foam fire fighting abilities. The operator, Walter Oil and Gas Corporation, will be conducting a site assessment prior to beginning any work on the well. BSEE will be reviewing and approving all plans and procedures to stop the flow of gas and secure the well. The U.S. Coast Guard is providing safety management oversight and have deployed the following resources: the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter and crew Pompano, one MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and one HC-144 Ocean Sentry from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile.
BSEE will be conducting an investigation into the incident's cause.