Gulf of Mexico update
On Feb. 5, during drilling operations at Main Pass 295 in the Gulf of Mexico utilizing the Ensco 87 rig, Apache took a kick from an abnormally pressured gas zone. The well was shut in, and the blowout preventers are functioning properly. Apache is working with well control experts from Boots and Coots to kill the well. Diagnostic procedures indicated an underground migration from the bottom of the well (8,261 feet) to another sand formation at approximately 1,100 feet. At the direction of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Apache is preparing to move the Rowan Cecil Provine, another drilling rig currently under contract with Apache, to the location in the event it is determined that drilling a relief well is necessary.
There were no injuries associated with the incident.
We evacuated non-essential personnel from the rig, and notified the government. Safety and equipment procedures have worked as designed and tested.
- There are no bubbles on the surface
- Divers have verified there is no breach on the seafloor
- This event involves natural gas; there are no associated hydrocarbon liquids involved
- We evacuated 15 people; we currently have approximately 50 people onboard.