Eroton Confirms Well-Head Fire Incident At Oil Field
Eroton Exploration & Production Company yesterday confirmed a well-head fire incident at its Akaso field of the Cawthrone Channel operational area of its OML 18 Asset.
It said the incident occurred last Friday evening and blamed it on suspected vandalization and bunkering activity attempt on the XMAS Tree containment valves of the wellhead.
The company spokesperson Mercy Max-Ebibai informed reporters that the well is reported to be releasing hydrocarbon to the environment with wildfire.
In a statement, the firm said: “An oil-ladened wooden boat was initially observed in the vicinity and a loud bang was also reported.
“This resulted in the fires drifting to two wellheads, only one of which is still aflame at the point of reporting. Akaso6LS fire has died out while Akaso 15L is still on fire.”
Furthermore, Mrs. Max-Ebibai added that an Emergency Response Team (ERT) has been convened and the company’s “skilled well control engineers are working with an experienced wild well control vendor who has been contacted to carry out assessment of the current wild well fire situation, design a technical solution and firefighting strategy.”
The spokesperson also stated that all regulatory obligations had been adhered to with the relevant authorities duly notified within the allowed window.
She added that they were working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.
According to the spokesperson, the safety and well-being of the company’s employees and host communities are their top priorities.
