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.
Efforts are now focused on locating the missing person and resuming operations, Oropeza stated. Employees from nearby platforms have reported that the flames were visible, indicating the magnitude of the incident. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador mentioned during a press conference that Pemex firefighters and the Mexican Navy are actively involved in battling the blaze.
Pemex has a history of major industrial accidents at its facilities, and the company assured that it will provide updates on the control and extinguishing of the fire, as well as the assessment of damages throughout the day. 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 highlights the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents.
What measures is Pemex taking to locate the missing individual and resume operations on the offshore platform?
Tragedy Strikes in Gulf of Mexico as Fire Engulfs Offshore Platform: Two Dead, One Missing
In a devastating incident on Friday, a fierce fire erupted at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico. The state-owned oil company, Petr?leos Mexicanos (Pemex), confirmed that the blaze has claimed the lives of at least two individuals, with one person still missing. Out of the 328 workers present at the time, 321 have been successfully evacuated, according to Pemex.
Swift action was taken by Pemex, who promptly dispatched four boats to tackle the flames raging across the oil platform. Sadly, earlier reports indicated that six people sustained injuries during the incident. However, it has now been clarified by Pemex Director Octavio Romero Oropeza that the deceased and the missing person are not employees of Pemex but rather individuals from a company working at the facility.
The affected area of the platform has been completely destroyed, Oropeza disclosed in a video statement posted on Pemex’s Twitter account. As investigations into the cause of the fire are underway, Pemex is channeling its efforts into locating the missing individual and working towards resuming operations on the platform.
Eyewitnesses from neighboring platforms reported seeing the flames, highlighting the severity of the situation. Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador, during a press conference, acknowledged the involvement of Pemex firefighters and the Mexican Navy in battling the inferno.
Pemex has had a history of significant industrial accidents at its facilities; however, the company has assured the public that updates on the status of fire control, extinguishment, and damage assessment will be provided throughout the day. It is important to note that earlier this year, a similar incident occurred near a Pemex offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico, which was successfully brought under control.
This devastating fire at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform serves as a stark reminder of the inherent hazards associated with offshore oil operations. It underscores the critical importance of implementing and adhering to stringent safety measures to prevent such catastrophic incidents.
This tragic incident highlights the grave risks faced by workers in offshore oil platforms. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. It is crucial that investigations are carried out promptly to determine the cause and prevent such disasters in the future.