Fire hits Perenco platform offshore Congo-Brazzaville

Oil and gas company Perenco has confirmed that a fire incident occurred on one of its platforms in the waters off Congo-Brazzaville on Tuesday, February 15.

The company said the blaze on its platform in the Emeraude oil field was isolated to one end of a long walkway following an escape of hydrocarbons.

Perenco clarified that there were no injuries to the personnel onboard or material damage sustained by the platform as a result of the blaze. The incident nonetheless resulted in oil spills in the surrounding waters.

The spilled oil then burned and produced thick black smoke, though the resulting fires were brought under control within hours.

An investigation has been launched to identify the cause of the incident.