All systems fine on fire-stricken rig

A decision to this effect was taken after a two-member team of American experts in sub-sea well control operations inspected the well today. The team is headed by Mark Mazella and Mark Burrow of the Houston-based M/S Cudd Pressure Control.

Even as efforts are on to salvage the vessel, some offshore drilling experts who have recently returned from Bombay High said there is a strong possibility that the leak was caused by improper cementing of the conductor. But it is yet to be ascertained if improper cementing took place due to poor quality cement or improperworkmanship, experts pointed out.

Sources in the ONGC disclosed that there was a gas leak at the well B-121-D in the first week of this month. Strangely, action was initiated only after problems aggravated and fire was seen in one of the wells on March 12, sources added.

Currently, fire is raging in three wells simultaneously, and the flames are seen emanating from the heads due to micro-cracks in the conductor. Also, the gas release has caused blasting noises, which can be heard from a distance of more than a nautical mile. 8220;There could be leak from the casing head,8221; said Reddy.

The gas leak at the ONGC platform assumes significance in view of the various complaints made about the awarding of diving services. On receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Gurudas Gupta, the Union Government recently ordered an inquiry into the allegations.

The chief inspector of diving, Roger Giles, who was appointed by the ONGC as consultant for Development of Diving Safety Management Systems, observed that thereis no inhouse capability to audit performance while awarding or accepting an offshore vessel and diving services for operations. Nor is the diving contractor8217;s work specified, he noted.