The search for Pete Phillip has transitioned from search and rescue to search and recover.
The teams from Wells Services Petroleum Company Limited and Heritage Petroleum Company Limited made the announcement on Thursday afternoon.
The media release from Well Services Petroleum Company Limited indicated that due to the length of time that has passed and the challenging maritime conditions, the company, in collaboration with Heritage Petroleum Company Limited, made the decision to transition from search and rescue operations to a search and recovery phase.
Calling the decision “difficult,” the team at Wells Services said it determined that the possibility of survival may be unlikely. The release said the decision was reached with careful consideration following a comprehensive assessment of the situation and in consultation with recognised experts in the field. It said this phase of the operation will be performed with the safety of all personnel and respect for those affected being the top priority, and it remained committed to ensuring that the search and recovery is conducted with the utmost respect, professionalism, and sensitivity.
Earlier on December 26th, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young, received a detailed in-person briefing on the Rig 110 incident response at the Trinmar Marine Base in Point Fortin.
The Well Services and Heritage Petroleum Company Limited teams briefed the Minister on the arrival of experts to advise on the way forward. After the briefing, Minister Young met with Mr. Phillip’s mother and his immediate family members.
Pete Phillip, of La Romaine, was one of 75 employees of Well Services Petroleum Company Limited aboard Rig 110 when it partially collapsed into the sea at 3:30am on Sunday, December 22nd.