Saipem Jack-up Rig Collapses Offshore Congo

One of the 3 legs of the jack-up drilling rig 'Perro Negro 6' collapsed and the rig capsized to subsequently sink near the mouth of the Congo River.

The accident occurred during rig positioning on location prior to starting drilling operations, between the coasts of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo,  in approximately 40 metres of water.

After significant tilting of the rig when the support leg collapsed, the 103 crew members were taken off. but one was recorded as missing and another six incurred minor injuries.

Saipem add that emergency procedures were promptly activated to ensure the evacuation of the personnel on-board, and that  so far no environmental impacts have been reported, and all  prevention measures are being implemented.