By Prior Beharry
ONE worker is missing after a rig owned by Well Services went down in the Gulf of Paria on Sunday morning.
The rig operating in a former Trinmar field started to go down just after 3 am.
President of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) Pointe-a-Pierre Branch Christopher Jackman said that all of the workers were safely evacuated except one.
He said that one person was missing and divers had been sent to the site of the incident in a rescue mission and to ascertain the damage.
One energy source said the worker was harnessed to the derrick when the incident occurred.
Well Services confirmed that one man was missing and another injured.
In a statement it said, “At approximately 3.09 am on December 22, 2024, an incident occurred aboard Well Services Rig 110, located in the Heritage Offshore East Field. The rig, with 75 personnel onboard, was engaged in drilling activities at the time.
“The incident resulted in one injury, with the injured individual currently in stable condition and receiving medical care. Additionally, one person is missing, and search and rescue efforts are underway. All other personnel have been safely evacuated from the rig.
“Well Services officials are in contact with the family of the missing individual and providing all necessary support and assistance in this period of uncertainty.”
Sunday morning, Minister of Energy Stuart Young confirmed the incident saying that Rig 110 is an asset operated by a private sector company, Well Services Limited.
He said, “This unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of this morning. I received my first briefing at around 3.30 am. I am aware that the rig is owned and operated by private sector, Well Services. We are assisting via Heritage and will render whatever assistance we can.”
The release stated, “The MEEI is currently liaising with both Heritage Petroleum Limited and Well Services Limited.
“At this time, the incident is under investigation.”
Jackman said initial reports stated that the barge was overloaded with drill pipes, but said he was waiting on more information to confirm why the incident occurred.
Communications Advisor Manager of Heritage Petroleum Al Alexander said Well Services owned the rig and Heritage was only rendering support.
