A major underwater fire broke out on the offshore pipeline of the Mexican oil and gas company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) in the Gulf of Mexico. The fire is coming from under the water. At the moment it is under control and there are no casualties or injuries.
“At 05:15 hours today, a gas leak was registered in the 12-inch submarine pipeline and the presence of fire in the sea, 150 meters from the KU-C satellite platform, located in the Campeche Sonda belonging to the Ku-Maloob-Zaap Production Asset… The incident was dealt with immediately when the security protocols were activated and with the accompaniment of nearby fire fighting vessels such as Santa Cruz Island, Campeche Bay, and Bourbon Alienor. In addition, the interconnection valves in the pipeline were closed, extinguishing the fire and the gas emanation, ending the contingency around 10:45 am, and restoring normal operating conditions. No injuries or evacuees are reported,” said the Pemex release.
The Ku-Charly offshore platform operates as part of the large Ku-Maloob-Zaap field. This is one of the largest fields, producing about 95 thousand barrels of oil per day.
According to preliminary information, the cause of the fire was a leak of hydrocarbons from a control valve on the pipeline between offshore platforms at a depth of 78 meters.
According to media reports, three firefighting vessels are operating at the site, the work of divers is impeded by the ongoing burning. None of the platform personnel were injured, and no evacuation is underway.