Sunday: Total launches an emergency evacuation of about 200 staff from the Elgin/Franklin platforms and the Rowan Viking drilling rig after gas is found to be leaking following a “well control problem”. Initially 27 workers are left but all are later evacuated. A three-mile no-fly zone is put in place around the platforms.
Monday: Total says the leak could go on for months and admits there could be a risk of an explosion and that it is not sure how to stem the problem. A “sheen” is reported to be seen on the sea, thought to be gas condensate, a petrol-like substance, and nearby platforms report being able to see a haze around the field. Shell later takes workers off its Shearwater platform and halts operations on the Noble Hans Deul rig as a precaution.
Tuesday: Total says it could take six months to plug the leak – and its share price dips 7%. Two firefighting vessels are sent to the scene and a two-mile exclusion zone set up for shipping. It emerges the Elgin platform’s flare is still burning. Total says best scenario is the leak stops itself, but sending a team on to the platform and/or drilling a relief well is also suggested.
Wednesday: The leak sparks renewed debate over European Commission plans to seize regulatory control of offshore safety. Two more firefighting vessels are sent to the scene and Total says it is considering sending a team on to the platform to assess things.