Gas started to leak from Total’s Elgin platform hours before an emergency was declared, it was claimed last night.
One of the first workers to be flown from the Rowan Viking – the drilling rig working adjacent to the Elgin platform – said the “textbook” evacuation process was “far from perfect”.
The oil worker claims bosses on the platform knew gas was leaking from the G4 well around eight hours before an emergency evacuation was launched, at 12.15pm on March 25.
The man, who does not want to be named for fear of losing his job, said the workers had been told no more “hot work permits” were allowed to be issued that day. This means work which could induce a spark had been banned.
He also said the men were forced to board a packed helicopter and made to sit on the floor with no life jackets while they were transferred to another installation.
“I believe they knew long before noon on the Sunday that something was seriously wrong,” he said.
“About 4.30am the offshore installation manager (OIM) issued an order that no more hot work permits were to be given out for that day. Now why would he do that more than eight hours before the alarm if he didn’t know something was up?
“The whole evacuation process was quite calm to be honest. People only started to panic when we were told to go and put on our survival suits, but it was far from perfect.
“There were 19 of us from the Viking drilling rig who were told to get into the Norwegian coastguard helicopter.
“There were not enough seats for everyone and some of the boys had to sit on the floor. There were no life jackets either. I dread to think what would have happened if there had been an accident.”
The worker also said those evacuated first were forced to leave without any of their personal belongings, including passports, wallets and house and car keys. The worker added: “I was one of the first people to be evacuated and we had to leave with nothing – just the clothes we were wearing. We had no passport, driving licence, wallet, car keys or mobile phones. Everything had to be left onboard the platform.
“Over the last three weeks since we have returned to the beach we have been asking if there is anyone who could get some of our belongings but they say their main priority is stemming the leak.”
A spokeswoman for Total said their “clear priority” on the night was to evacuate 238 people from the platform and the Rowan Viking as safely and as quickly as possible.
She said in an emergency situation the company “took all essential actions” to ensure that was done properly. It has been described as a “textbook evacuation”.
She added: “Once people, some of whom were Total employees and others contractors, were returned to Aberdeen we provided extensive and comprehensive support.
“This included medical support if required, hotel accommodation and a £30 dinner allowance; £50 in petty cash to cover immediate incidentals; fully expensed transport home and a commitment to cover the cost of replacing essentials left on the platform.
“In short, we are satisfied that Total offered all possible support.”
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