ENSCO Rig Damaged in Blowout
ENSCO International Incorporated and Forest Oil Corporation reported that one of ENSCO's jackup rigs sustained extensive damage while operating in the Gulf of Mexico. ENSCO 51 was on location in Eugene Island Block 273 drilling a development well over a platform (the ``A'' platform) for its customer, Forest, the operator of the block. Eugene Island Block 273 is located approximately 75 miles offshore. Shortly after midnight on Thursday, March 1, approximately fifteen hours after running and cementing a third casing string at approximately 1650 feet, an annular flow was detected. The volume of the gas discharge continued to increase. All personnel were safely evacuated from the rig. Offshore supply vessels equipped with water cannons were dispatched and began to deluge the platform.
ENSCO Jackup Rig Damaged in Gas Blowout, Fire
ENSCO International Incorporated and Forest Oil Corporation reported that one of ENSCO’s jackup rigs sustained extensive damage while operating in the Gulf of Mexico. ENSCO 51 was on location in Eugene Island Block 273 drilling a development well over a platform (the “A” platform) for its customer, Forest, the operator of the block. Eugene Island Block 273 is located approximately 75 miles offshore. Shortly after midnight on Thursday, March 1, approximately 15 hours after running and cementing a third casing string at approximately 1,650 ft., an annular flow was detected. The volume of the gas discharge continued to increase. All personnel were safely evacuated from the rig. Offshore supply vessels equipped with water cannons were dispatched and began to deluge the platform.
