Menu
29/04/2003
Britons held hostage on Nigerian oil rigs
Hostage negotiations are under way in an attempt to secure the release of around 100 oil workers being held captive on four oil rigs located in the Niger delta.
The trapped workers, thought to include as many as 35 Britons and 20 Americans, have been held on the rigs in deteriorating conditions for around 10 days.
The foreign workers were trapped as local workers, apparently infuriated by the sacking of colleagues, took control of the oil production platforms off the Nigerian coast in what Nigerian sources described as a “wildcat action”.
Transocean Inc, the US firm which operates the rigs, has declined detailed comment on the nationality of the workers concerned, but the severity of the situation became apparent when it emerged that telephone conversations had taken place and emails had been exchanged between the hostages and their families.
One hostage on the rigs has described the poor conditions on the rig when he contacted a relative in the UK. Another expressed concerns that the seige may only be ended by a military assault on the rigs.
However, the occupation of oil facilities during industrial action and civil unrest is not a unique situation and negotiations are usually sufficient to resolve the situation peacefully. Many such incidents do not make the news as the companies concerned are keen to play down the impact.
However, the situation in Nigeria is particularly volatile following some civil unrest and allegations of electoral fraud following the country's recent presidential elections.
(SP)
The trapped workers, thought to include as many as 35 Britons and 20 Americans, have been held on the rigs in deteriorating conditions for around 10 days.
The foreign workers were trapped as local workers, apparently infuriated by the sacking of colleagues, took control of the oil production platforms off the Nigerian coast in what Nigerian sources described as a “wildcat action”.
Transocean Inc, the US firm which operates the rigs, has declined detailed comment on the nationality of the workers concerned, but the severity of the situation became apparent when it emerged that telephone conversations had taken place and emails had been exchanged between the hostages and their families.
One hostage on the rigs has described the poor conditions on the rig when he contacted a relative in the UK. Another expressed concerns that the seige may only be ended by a military assault on the rigs.
However, the occupation of oil facilities during industrial action and civil unrest is not a unique situation and negotiations are usually sufficient to resolve the situation peacefully. Many such incidents do not make the news as the companies concerned are keen to play down the impact.
However, the situation in Nigeria is particularly volatile following some civil unrest and allegations of electoral fraud following the country's recent presidential elections.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2012
North Sea Oil Rigs Evacuated After Gas Leak
Workers on two offshore oil rigs have been evacuated after a gas leak on a third, nearby, rig. Shell has removed workers from two of its rigs off the coast of Aberdeen after a Total platform was evacuated following a leak.
North Sea Oil Rigs Evacuated After Gas Leak
Workers on two offshore oil rigs have been evacuated after a gas leak on a third, nearby, rig. Shell has removed workers from two of its rigs off the coast of Aberdeen after a Total platform was evacuated following a leak.
05 June 2006
Kidnapped oil workers released
Eight foreign oil workers, including six Britons, who were kidnapped in Nigeria on Friday have been released. The six Britons, along with an American and a Canadian, were taken hostage from the Bulford Dolphin oil rig in the early hours of Friday morning.
Kidnapped oil workers released
Eight foreign oil workers, including six Britons, who were kidnapped in Nigeria on Friday have been released. The six Britons, along with an American and a Canadian, were taken hostage from the Bulford Dolphin oil rig in the early hours of Friday morning.
15 November 2013
Green Light For £4bn Investment In 140m Barrel Oil Field Development
EnQuest, the largest UK independent oil company in the UK North Sea, has given its go-ahead for a £4bn investment in the 140m barrel oil field Kraken development.
Green Light For £4bn Investment In 140m Barrel Oil Field Development
EnQuest, the largest UK independent oil company in the UK North Sea, has given its go-ahead for a £4bn investment in the 140m barrel oil field Kraken development.
22 June 2009
Oil Workers Burn Dismissal Letters As Strikes Continue
Hundreds of sacked oil workers have continued their protest outside the Lindsey Oil Refinery, by burning their dismissal notices in an act of defiance against French oil giants Total. Six hundred and fifty workers were sacked by Total, which runs the facility in North Lincolnshire. They were given until 5.00pm today to reapply for their jobs.
Oil Workers Burn Dismissal Letters As Strikes Continue
Hundreds of sacked oil workers have continued their protest outside the Lindsey Oil Refinery, by burning their dismissal notices in an act of defiance against French oil giants Total. Six hundred and fifty workers were sacked by Total, which runs the facility in North Lincolnshire. They were given until 5.00pm today to reapply for their jobs.
02 June 2006
Oil workers kidnapped in Nigeria
Eight oil workers, including six Britons, have been kidnapped from an offshore oil rig in Nigeria, it has been reported. It is understood that six Britons, a Canadian and an American were taken hostage from the Buldford Dolphin rig in the early hours of Friday morning.
Oil workers kidnapped in Nigeria
Eight oil workers, including six Britons, have been kidnapped from an offshore oil rig in Nigeria, it has been reported. It is understood that six Britons, a Canadian and an American were taken hostage from the Buldford Dolphin rig in the early hours of Friday morning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
