BP’s Valhall platform in the North Sea is being evacuated by helicopter after a barge broke its anchor and was drifting towards the installation following a storm.
A company spokesman said all personnel – approximately 230 – were being evacuated to nearby platforms and onshore in Norway. Production was being shutdown.
About 150 people had initially been evacuated from the platform in the North Sea due to the unmanned barge drifting in rough seas.
Evacuees were taken to the nearby platforms as a precaution, while 85 people remained on platforms in the Valhall field on Thursday morning. However, BP has decided to evacuate the rest of the personnel. A tug boat is attempting to gain control of the barge, which started drifting amid strong winds and high waves yesterday evening.
The Valhall field is located in the central North Sea, is operated by BP and is co-owned by Hess (HES.N).
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