The rig overturned and sank during towing in a severe storm, killing 53 of the 67 people aboard. Half of the crew came from Murmansk Oblast.
According to the Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office “Kolskaya” did not have permission to be towed in winter conditions. Jack-up rigs can be given permission for a one-time towing from location of operation after completion of drilling, but the rig’s owner Arktikmorneftegazrazvedka had not applied for this.
The accident is the largest in the history of the Russian oil sector.
According to the rig’s documentation the acquired minimum of personnel that should be aboard the rig during towing is 20, including the captain. “Kolskaya” had 67 persons on board, including the crew responsible for drilling operations.
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The Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office has made a submission to the general director of Arktikmorneftegazrazvedka, B-port writes.
