Trinidad oil worker missing after rig collapses in Gulf of Paria

Missing: Pete Phillip
Missing: Pete Phillip

(Trinidad Express) The missing man who fell off a rig yesterday morning has been identified as Pete Phillip of La Romaine, San Fernando.

The Express was informed that Phillip’s family is currently receiving counselling.

A release from Well Services, who owns and operates the rig, said the incident occurred at around 3.09 a.m on Sunday on its 110 rig, which is situated within the Heritage Offshore East Field.

Express Chief Photographer Dexter Philip accompanies members of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team led by Captain Vallence Rambharat in the search for Pete Phillip, who is missing. Phillip, 47, of La Romaine, San Fernando, has been unaccounted for after part of the Well Services Rig 110 collapsed early yesterday morning. All other personnel were evacuated.

At the time of the incident, Well Services said 75 personnel were onboard, engaged in drilling activities.

One person, yet unidentified, was injured and has been receiving medical care. All others were evacuated from the rig.

Rescue efforts are underway.

On the scene is the Hunters Search and Rescue Team led by Captain Vallence Rambharat.

Rambharat told the Express that the HSRT are planning a search/rescue mission.

“The weather conditions are perfect for this type of mission. The sea is literally asleep. Now is the time to search,” he said.

This incident comes on the helm of the tragic Paria diving incident in February 2022, where four divers perished.

Statement from Well Services Ltd.

At approximately 3:09 AM on Sunday, 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.