ABERDEEN COASTGUARD COORDINATE EVACUATION FROM TWO GAS RIGS IN NORTH SEA

An evacuation of non essential personnel is currently taking place 240km off Aberdeen on the Elgin and Rowan Viking platforms.

The evacuation in the central Graben area is due to a well control problem occurring on the wellhead platform at the Elgin field, resulting in a gas release at . 

Aberdeen Coastguard is coordinating the orderly evacuation of 209 non essential personnel to a place of safety.

Following the incident, all personnel were called to muster and have been accounted for.  No injuries have been reported.

Kevin Brown, Watch Manager, Aberdeen Coastguard, says:

“Emergency procedures have been activated. We are working closely with Total E&P UK Limited. We have three Rescue helicopters on scene and the assistance of four civilian helicopters all aiding with the evacuation process. 

Work is ongoing to control the release.”


Notes to Editors:

·         TOTAL has been present in the United Kingdom since 1962.  TOTAL E&P UK Limited is one of the main oil and gas operators on the UK Continental Shelf. More information is available on www.uk.total.com
 
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