In a dramatic turn of events, Stena Drilling faces a daunting task to salvage the anchors of the Stena Spey drilling rig, which lost half of them during the fierce Storm Babet in the North Sea.
Over the weekend, the Stena Spey rig found itself battling the unforgiving forces of nature as four out of its eight anchors were forcefully detached. The relentless storm surge created a perilous situation, necessitating immediate action to secure the rig and the lives of those on board.
Stena Drilling swiftly responded to the crisis, with a tow vessel successfully attaching a line to the rig on Sunday. More recently, two specialized anchor-handling vessels have arrived at the location, poised to commence the intricate anchor recovery operations. The Stena Spey drilling unit currently sits in a secure position, located 146 miles east of Aberdeen, thanks to the attachment of two lines.
The company has reported an improvement in weather conditions at the site, with the current sea state showing relatively manageable two-meter waves and 7-knot winds. This favorable turn of events has provided a glimmer of hope for the complex recovery mission.
During the initial incident, 45 non-essential personnel were transferred to nearby platforms and Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands, ensuring their safety in the face of the storm’s fury. Since then, Stena Drilling has confirmed the safe return of all 45 individuals to Aberdeen, highlighting the company’s commitment to safeguarding lives.
A spokesperson for Stena Drilling emphasized the gravity of the situation caused by the severe weather, noting that every possible effort is being made to mitigate risks to personnel at the scene and swiftly resolve the crisis. The company extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Coast Guard Services, the Authorities, and the courageous crew members who responded in a timely and professional manner to this weather-related emergency.
Stena Drilling remains resolute in its priorities, with an unwavering focus on the safety of all personnel involved in the operation. The company is working in close coordination with partner organizations and relevant authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to ensure the well-being of everyone engaged in the recovery mission.
As the world watches with bated breath, the harrowing saga of the Stena Spey rig’s anchor recovery unfolds, underscoring the incredible challenges faced by those who brave the elements in the name of progress. With the weather showing signs of relenting, there is a renewed sense of optimism that the anchors will soon be retrieved, and the rig can continue its vital work in the North Sea.
Source: [Energy Voice]
