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BP evacuates North Sea oilfield as unmanned barge threatens oil rig BP evacuates North Sea oilfield as unmanned barge threatens rig
(33 minutes later)
BP has ordered a complete evacuation of staff from a North Sea oilfield as a large unmanned barge drifts in rough seas towards drilling platforms. BP has ordered an evacuation of staff from a North Sea oilfield as a large unmanned barge drifts in rough seas towards drilling platforms.
BP said that all 235 staff working on eight platforms in the Valhall oilfield were in the process of being evacuated to nearby facilities “as a precautionary measure”. BP said all 235 people working on eight platforms in the Valhall oilfield were being moved to nearby facilities as a precautionary measure.
The barge is thought to have broken free of its anchor during storms on Wednesday. A spokesman for the oil and gas group told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that workers on the platform could see the barge drifting towards the site, despite the rough weather and poor visibility. The barge is thought to have broken free of its anchor during storms on Wednesday.
BP added that salvage teams are now on the drifting vessel, which belongs to the Norwegian firm Eide Marine. BP added that salvage teams were on the drifting vessel, which belongs to the Norwegian firm Eide Marine.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed it was fully aware of the situation and the UK coastguards were on alert, but the barge remains in Norwegian waters for the time being. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed it was aware of the situation and that UK coastguards were on alert, but the barge remained in Norwegian waters.
A man died when a wave estimated at up to 60ft (18 metres) in height hit the accommodation block on another rig in the Troll oilfield, also in the North Sea off the Norwegian coast. A man died when a 60ft (18 metres) wave hit the accommodation block on another rig in the Troll oilfield, also in the North Sea off the Norwegian coast.
Three people were airlifted ashore by Norwegian rescuers, but one later died from his injuries. He was said to be a Norwegian in his fifties. Three people were airlifted ashore by Norwegian rescuers, but one died from his injuries. He was said to be a Norwegian in his fifties.
ConocoPhillips’ Ekofisk platform in the North Sea is also in the process of being evacuated on Thursday morning, according to the Norwegian broadcaster TV2. ConocoPhillips’ Ekofisk platform in the North Sea was also being evacuated on Thursday morning, according to the Norwegian broadcaster TV2.