Hercules Drill Rig Engulfed in Flames - Now What?

[zorgon]

Hercules Drill Rig Engulfed in Flames - Now What?

UPDATED 7/24/2013 3:10pm EDT with new photo, info on drilling permit.


Hercules 265 jackup drill rig on fire, July 24, 2013. Photo from US Coast Guard via the Times-Picayune

At about 11pm Central time last night, the Hercules 265 jackup drill rig in the Gulf ignited.  It's now engulfed in flames.  Options for controlling the gas blowout are now a lot more limited, since the rig can't be occupied by well-control specialists.  Eventually the well might collapse on itself, "bridging over" and shutting off the flow of natural gas.  Otherwise a long and complicated intervention might be required, such as the drilling of a relief well -- the solution required to kill BP's runaway Macondo well in 2010, Chevron's fatal blowout off Nigeria in 2012, and the months-long blowout and massive oil spill off Australia at the Montara platform in 2009.  Either way, the rig is certainly a total loss. 

http://blog.skytruth.org/2013/07/hercules-drill-rig-engulfed-in-flames.html

[1Worldwatcher]

Strange that it has been burning for so many hours, have people of authority for clean plan, but yet, "Mum's the Word" kind of retroactive statements such as this:

The Company is working with Walter Oil & Gas and their third party expert in efforts to regain control of the natural gas well, including preparation to drill a relief well.  In the event that a relief well is necessary, the Company is preparing to promptly mobilize the Hercules 200, a 200' mat-supported cantilevered unit to execute drilling of the relief well.

The Company continues to coordinate response activities with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.  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.

And then on this same page, below the description of the Hercules Oil Drill rig info, there is this:

Statements above that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements, including the damage to the rig, any potential environmental effects, and the expected process and timeframe for regaining control of the well and other response. We have based these statements on our assumptions in light of our experience, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results, and actual results could differ materially from those described in such statements. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties described in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict.  We disclaim any obligation to update this information except as required by applicable rules and regulations.

©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

That is a bit confusing for sure. Either way, seems as if it will be another on the bed post of bad sleeping partener's as far off shore drilling goes. Hopefully this doesn't lead to 'Venezuela/Snowden connection' !! LOL JK, but, the blame must go somewhere, Right?

About Hercules Offshore

Headquartered in Houston, Hercules Offshore, Inc. operates a fleet of 40 jackup rigs, including two Keppel FELS Super A high-specification, harsh-environment jackup rigs, and 24 liftboats. The Company offers a range of services to oil and gas producers to meet their needs during drilling, well service, platform inspection, maintenance, and decommissioning operations in several key shallow water provinces around the world. For more information, please visit our website at Hercules Off Shore Oil Riggs.

1WW

[zorgon]

[zorgon]

Odd I was looking for pictures using Hercules in search and found THIS ONE

January 18, 2012
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

Maritime Executive


January 16, 2012
Fire Breaks Out on Chevron Oil Rig in Southeast Nigeria

A fire has broken out on a Chevron drilling rig in their Funiwa oil facility in southeastern Nigeria. Any rig workers in need of medical assistance have been taken care of by Chevron.

According to a statement from Chevron Nigeria Limited, a fire incident on the K.S. Endeavor jack-up rig has been confirmed. An investigation into the incident is being conducted, but there were no casualty figures reported. The company is still trying to account for all the workers.

Locals in the area reported the explosion in the early hours of Monday morning.

Maritime Executive

[zorgon]

Chevron Nigeria rig still on fire, 2 missing
January 17, 2012

ABUJA (Reuters) - Two workers were missing after fire broke out on a drilling rig in Chevron's Funiwa oil facility in southeast Nigeria on Monday, Chevron said.
"Search and rescue has successfully found 152 of 154 personnel. We expect all of those rescued to be onshore and checked medically. The fire is still burning. Early well control activation is ongoing," Chevron spokesman Scott Walker said.
Local people reported a loud explosion on the rig early on Monday. "I heard a really loud bang and there was a fire," local village chief Young Fabby, 55, said by telephone.
Walker earlier said Chevron was "still investigating the incident and ... working to fully understand what happened." He said the fire broke out on the K.S. Endeavor jack-up rig.
There was some "sheen around the well that is being investigated," he said.
(Reporting by Joe Brock and Tim Cocks; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Tim Pearce)

http://www.gbooza.com/group/crime/forum/topics/chevron-nigeria-rig-still-on-fire-2-missing#axzz2a1aBA98M

[zorgon]

For Dramatic Effect...

[robomont]

my guess.they will wait for all the steel to burn away.unless its spilling oil.in which case they will cut the pipe off and cap it.that over hanging steel is to dangerous to be around.just wild guesses.

i wonder if folks inland will start having asma and broncitis type problems soon.tptb will blame it on pollen from global warming.

[1Worldwatcher]

That is Interesting 'Z', and just earlier this year as well??? Wonder who's doing what's Where , Eh?

Seems as the Algeria fire got very intense for sure, and I wonder if they will find those contractors out of harm? Either way, that was a quite 'Alarming' coincidence of them happening within same company for rig's and very similar in circumstances.

1WW