39 People Missing From Russian Oil Rig Accident

Thirty nine people are still missing after the Russian oil rig Kolskaya capsized on Sunday. The rig was being towed by an icebreaker and a tug boat to Sakhalin Island after finishing its drill mission. A fierce storm swept over and the rig was hit by a wave which broke equipment and portholes. It started sinking in the 33 degree water.

The Kolskaya held 67 men aboard. Despite repeated attempts by the rig’s captain to call off the trip, the Kolskaya eventually set sail.

As of today, fourteen survivors have been picked alive from the icy water after the accident and taken to the hospital. Ten bodies have been found and four others have been spotted but not retrieved yet. Thirty nine people are unaccounted for.

Sergey Grauman, a surviving crew member, was on the rig with his father. According to Grauman, all hands were on deck trying to fix the leak with no luck. A mayday call was sent and the crew members gathered in the restroom after being told that a rescue helicopter was on its way. After waiting for some time, they were informed the helicopters would not be able to make it in time because of the storm. Panic spread and everyone ran to deck which was now capsizing. Crew members started climbing, so not to touch the icy water which would mean death from hypothermia.

Survival is very slim in water this cold, and the turbulent waves which pull you down further into the current make the fight extremely difficult. Grauman was drawn into the water where he spent some time in before the rescue helicopters arrived. Grauman watched as the water took his fellow crew members away and saw the rescuers skip over the dead so they can retrieve the living. Graumans father is one of the 39 people missing.

The rig’s owner said that life rafts with people aboard were spotted in the sea of Okhotsk, but the government has not confirmed this report. An official was asked not be named because the offshore oil exploration firm is not authorized to comment on the rescue operation.

The Emergencies Ministry and military officials would not confirm that rafts were found, but said they have many rescuers still searching for survivors. Helicopter shots has shown nothing floating on the iced sea.

Russia is the world's largest natural gas exporter and second-largest oil exporter, and hydrocarbons are Russia's key export commodity. It produces most of its oil onshore and hasn't had any significant oil platform accidents in recent years. There has been no report of environmental damage, but there is likely to be little because the rig only carried a small amount of fuel.

Family members have spoken out about the negligent safety measures the rig held. The rig held a full crew which according to many is deeply unnecessary and dangerous especially when traveling the 120 mile journey the Kolskaya was attempting to go.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on an oil rig, contact the lawyers at V&B for free information and a free evaluation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.