CARACAS, Venezuela – An offshore natural gas platform sank off Venezuela on Thursday, and 95 workers were rescued safely, the government said.
All of the workers on the Aban Pearl platform off eastern Sucre state were safely evacuated, and the sinking poses no threat to the environment, Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez told state television.
The navy rescued the workers using a frigate and boats, Ramirez said. The gas platform disappeared into the Caribbean Sea at 2:20 a.m.
President Hugo Chavez announced the sinking on Twitter early Thursday, saying: "To my sorrow, I inform you that the Aban Pearl gas platform sank moments ago. The good news is that 95 workers are safe."
Officials are investigating what could have caused the platform to sink, Ramirez said. He said there was a problem with the flotation systems of the semi-submergible platform that led to a massive water leak in one area.
