Fire at Offshore Platform in Gulf of Mexico Leaves Two Dead and One Missing
A fire broke out on Friday at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and leaving one person missing, according to a statement from the state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex). The company reported that out of the 328 workers present on the structure when the fire started, 321 have already been evacuated. Pemex has dispatched four boats to control the fires on the oil platform.
Earlier, Pemex had stated that at least six individuals were injured in the incident. In a recent video statement posted on Pemex’s Twitter account, Pemex Director Octavio Romero Oropeza clarified that the two fatalities and the missing person were from the company working at the facility, not from Pemex itself. Oropeza also revealed that the area of the platform where the fire originated has been completely destroyed, and Pemex is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The focus of Pemex’s efforts has now shifted towards locating the missing individual and resuming operations. Employees from nearby platforms have reported that the flames can be seen from their locations, indicating the significant magnitude of the incident. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated during a press conference that Pemex firefighters are battling the blaze, with support from the Mexican Navy.
Pemex has a history of major industrial accidents at its facilities, and the company has assured that it will provide updates throughout the day regarding the control and extinguishing of the fire, as well as the assessment of damages. It is worth noting that earlier this year, a similar incident occurred near a Pemex offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico, which was successfully brought under control.
The fire at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform serves as a reminder of the risks associated with offshore oil operations and the importance of stringent safety measures to protect workers and prevent such incidents from occurring.
What safety protocols are in place at Pemex offshore platforms to prevent fires and other catastrophic events?
Tragedy Strikes in Gulf of Mexico: Two Dead and One Missing in Offshore Platform Fire
In a devastating incident, a fire erupted on Friday at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the loss of at least two lives and leaving one person unaccounted for, according to a statement from the state-owned oil company, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex). The company has reported that out of the 328 workers present on the platform when the fire broke out, 321 have been successfully evacuated. Pemex has swiftly dispatched four boats to combat the raging fire on the oil platform.
Initial reports from Pemex indicated that at least six individuals were injured in the incident. Pemex Director Octavio Romero Oropeza clarified in a recent video statement posted on Pemex’s Twitter account that the two fatalities and the missing person were employees of a company working at the facility, rather than being directly employed by Pemex. Oropeza also divulged that the section of the platform where the fire originated has been completely destroyed, prompting Pemex to launch an investigation to determine the root cause of this devastating event.
The focus of Pemex’s operations has now shifted towards finding the missing individual and resuming normal activities. Witnesses from adjacent platforms have reported that the flames are visible from a distance, underscoring the magnitude of the incident. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador addressed the media during a press conference, assuring that Pemex firefighters are diligently battling the inferno, with support from the Mexican Navy.
It is important to note that Pemex has experienced significant industrial accidents in the past, raising concerns about safety measures at its facilities. The company has vowed to provide regular updates throughout the day, informing the public about progress in bringing the fire under control, as well as assessing the extent of damages incurred. Notably, earlier this year, a similar incident occurred near a Pemex offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico, which was successfully contained and resolved.
This tragic incident at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with offshore oil operations, emphasizing the crucial need for rigorous safety protocols to safeguard workers and prevent such catastrophic events from transpiring.
