An explosion occurred onboard the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit Cidade de São Mateus, operating on the Camarupim and Camarupim Norte fields in Espirito Santo littoral approximately 120 km from the coast. Based on information we have at present, three fatalities have been confirmed. Ten others sustained injuries. Petrobras triggered the emergency response and relevant authorities have been informed. Production has been stopped and the unit has been shut down. The unit is operated for Petrobras by BW Offshore.
BW Offshore now confirms that the bodies of the five deceased personnel have been brought to shore. Four are Brazilian nationals and one is Indian. Arrangements are being made for formal identification and release to family. Four Brazilian personnel remain unaccounted for. Seven personnel with injuries are receiving medical care in hospital. BW Offshore management is in Vitoria with the crew, and support to personnel and next of kin is ongoing. The unit hull is confirmed to be intact. A specialist team has returned to the unit to evaluate if conditions are sufficiently safe to allow the search and rescue efforts to continue.
“This is a terrible day for the families of the men we have lost and our hearts go out to them. We remain determined to continue the search for those still missing”, said Carl Arnet, CEO.
Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Offshore: “Our hearts go out to the families of the men we have lost. The bodies of the five deceased have now been brought ashore. Work is ongoing for identification and release to next of kin. Four of our men are still missing. Seven are in hospital receiving medical care. Crew and families are receiving necessary support. Production has been stopped and the unit has been shut down. We are evaluating conditions to establish whether it is safe to continue search and rescue. We will keep this website updated with the latest accurate information.”
