The Athena, a Bourbon multi purpose supply vessel operating under contract with TOTAL E&P Congo, reported a technical incident provoking entry of water in the engine room.
It was 15 nautical miles off the coast of Congo, in transit between the oil fields of Likouala and East Tchibouela.
In conformity with Bourbon and TOTAL Safety Management procedures, emergency committees were put in place immediately, on site in Pointe Noire and in France.
The anchor was dropped to immobilize the ship and the engine compartments were cut off. The 26 crew members and 37 technicians were immediately evacuated onto the TOTAL barge situated in the vicinity.
The Athena was then towed by Achille, a Bourbon fleet anchor
handling tug supply vessel also under contract with TOTAL E & P Congo, to the outer roadstead of Pointe Noire. Pumping and water tightness of the hull are in progress before transferring the vessel to a shipyard for dry dock and repair.