Leak forces staff off North Sea platform

March 26, 2012
Non-essential personnel were yesterday evacuated from the wellhead platform on Total’s HT/HP Elgin field, 240 km (149 mi) offshore Aberdeen.

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK – Non-essential personnel were yesterday evacuated from the wellhead platform on Total’s HT/HP Elgin field, 240 km (149 mi) offshore Aberdeen. This followed a gas release connected to a well control problem. 

Aberdeen Coastguard coordinated the orderly evacuation of the 209 personnel to a place of safety. No injuries were reported.

Kevin Brown, Watch manager, Aberdeen Coastguard, said: “Emergency procedures have been activated. We are working closely with Total E&P UK. We have three rescue helicopters on scene and the assistance of four civilian helicopters all aiding with the evacuation process.”

Work continues to control the release.

3/26/2012