BPMIGAS, Vico investigating rig collapse

By Godang Sitompul

Upstream authority BPMIGAS together with Vico is investigating into the collapse of the drilling rig at the Pamaguan # 1 well in Pamaguan field, Sangatta block in East Kalimantan, which is operated by the subsidiary of British firm BP Plc.

The rig suddenly broke down on Thursday following the collapse of the well underneath the rig. The well reportedly collapsed as water, followed by a small volume of gas, was erupting from inside the well.

?We are coordinating with Vico to see if the well collapsed due to shallow gas or other factors. We are considering moving the drilling rig to other location,? BPMIGAS? spokesman Hadi Prasetyo said.

No fatalities or injuries were reported during the incident. The well has been plugged on temporary basis and drilling has been suspended, he said.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon