One Dead Two Injured After Eni Rig Accident-Crane Broke Away From Structure And Fell Into Sea

According to the Italian ANSA agency (Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata), one worker is dead and two are injured after an accident at the Eni-run Barbara F rig some 30 miles off the coast of Ancona, in the Adriatic Sea, Italy.

According to an initial reconstruction of events, a crane that was operating on the platform broke away from the main structure and fell into the sea.

Fire brigade scuba divers found the crane’s cabin with the body of a 63-year-old Eni employee inside at a depth of around 70 metres under the surface, sources said.

An operation to recover the body has been launched.

Ancona prosecutors have opened a probe into possible culpable homicide.

As the crane and its load fell, it hit a supply vessel, injuring two people on board, Eni said. Ancona’s Riuniti said the injured workers are not in a life-threatening condition.

The Barbara gas field natural gas field located on the continental shelf of the Adriatic Sea. It was discovered in 1971 and developed by Eni. It began production in 1975 and produces natural gas and condensates.

Source:ANSA