Petronas has said it is “deeply saddened” after a maintenance vessel crashed into a platform in the South China Sea, killing two people.
Dozens more had to be rescued from the water after the MV Dayan Topaz, owned by DESB Marine Services, broke anchor during adverse weather and hit an installation in the Baram field, which is operated by the Malaysian national oil company.
The vessel was carrying out operational work for Petronas.
A total of 187 personnel were on board at the time of the collision and 125 jumped into the sea and had to be rescued by emergency responders.
They were flown to the Malaysian city of Miri, around 14 nautical miles away.
In a statement, the oil and gas operator said: “Petronas regrets to inform that an incident involving a vessel which made contact with platform structures occurred at the Baram field, 14 nautical miles off Miri at 6.23 am on 27 October 2020.
“The vessel, MV Dayang Topaz, owned by DESB Marine Services Sdn Bhd was undertaking operational work at the Baram platform for PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB), when it made contact with the platforms after its anchor wire gave way during adverse weather.
“There were 187 personnel on board at the time of the incident. As a result of the incident, 125 personnel jumped overboard. The affected personnel were eventually rescued by the emergency responders and evacuated to Miri. However, 2 fatalities were reported.
“PETRONAS is deeply saddened by the incident and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. An investigation is currently underway and all relevant authorities have been informed of the incident. Our utmost priority is the safety of all personnel involved.
“At the same time, we will continue to ensure reliable gas supply to consumers in the event of any gas supply interruptions.”
Dayang has been contacted for comment.