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Second leak at Cormorant Alpha platform | Second leak at Cormorant Alpha platform |
(35 minutes later) | |
A North Sea oil platform has been partially evacuated for the second time this year after another oil leak was detected. | A North Sea oil platform has been partially evacuated for the second time this year after another oil leak was detected. |
The Cormorant Alpha platform and its pipeline infrastructure were shut down after the leak was found in one of its legs during a routine inspection at 09:40. | The Cormorant Alpha platform and its pipeline infrastructure were shut down after the leak was found in one of its legs during a routine inspection at 09:40. |
About 70 of the 145 staff on board have been removed from the platform. | About 70 of the 145 staff on board have been removed from the platform. |
A similar leak was discovered on 15 January. | A similar leak was discovered on 15 January. |
A spokesman for TAQA Bratani, which operates the platform, said no oil had been released into the sea. | A spokesman for TAQA Bratani, which operates the platform, said no oil had been released into the sea. |
He confirmed: "Hydrocarbons were discovered during maintenance work and remedial action has already commenced to contain the release. | He confirmed: "Hydrocarbons were discovered during maintenance work and remedial action has already commenced to contain the release. |
"Hydrocarbon levels are being monitored and the platform and all pipeline infrastructure has been shut down as a precaution. | "Hydrocarbon levels are being monitored and the platform and all pipeline infrastructure has been shut down as a precaution. |
"The leak has been contained within the leg and no hydrocarbons have been released into the environment." | "The leak has been contained within the leg and no hydrocarbons have been released into the environment." |
'Serious questions' | |
Everyone on board the platform was safe and well, the spokesman confirmed. | Everyone on board the platform was safe and well, the spokesman confirmed. |
A controlled non-emergency evacuation of some non-essential staff was carried out on scheduled helicopter flights, he added. | A controlled non-emergency evacuation of some non-essential staff was carried out on scheduled helicopter flights, he added. |
The platform is some 94 miles north-east of Lerwick on Shetland. | The platform is some 94 miles north-east of Lerwick on Shetland. |
Last month's leak led to a pipeline system servicing up to 27 oil fields being shut down. | Last month's leak led to a pipeline system servicing up to 27 oil fields being shut down. |
The fields affected, and another eight associated platforms, produce about 10% of the UK's oil output. | The fields affected, and another eight associated platforms, produce about 10% of the UK's oil output. |
Lang Banks, director of environmental group WWF Scotland, said: "While it's a relief to hear staff are safe and the leak has been contained, serious questions must be asked about the integrity of this aging rig. | |
"In the interests of the environment and all oil workers it would be wise for the relevant authorities to take a much closer look at this platform and those of a similar age dotted throughout the North Sea." |