Tragedy Strikes Offshore Angola: Three Workers Die in Platform Fire

Three workers who were injured in a devastating platform fire off the coast of Angola have tragically lost their lives, as confirmed by the country’s mineral resources ministry.

The incident occurred on May 20 on the cellar deck of the Benguela Belize Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) platform, a facility operated by a Chevron joint venture. The platform was undergoing scheduled maintenance and was not in production at the time of the fire.

Out of the 17 workers injured in the blaze, four sustained severe injuries. They were promptly evacuated to shore for medical treatment, with some later being transferred to advanced medical facilities in South Africa, as reported by industry sources. Regrettably, two of the injured workers succumbed to their injuries.

Tragically, one individual went missing during the chaotic incident. Their body was later recovered from the water on May 21, bringing the total death toll to three.

In a heartfelt statement, the Chevron joint venture CABGOC expressed its deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased. The company reiterated its unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its workforce, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with its contracting partners to provide support to those affected by the tragedy.

The BBLT platform is a bottom-fixed compliant tower structure situated approximately 50 nautical miles off Angola’s coastline. Supported by a 1,200-foot flexible platform jacket known as a compliant tower, the facility boasts enhanced wave resistance due to its ability to sway horizontally.