The Energy Ministry says it is lending assistance to Well Services Ltd following the collapse of a rig this morning.

According to a statement from the company, the incident occurred shortly after 3am.

Well Services Rig 110, located in the Heritage Offshore East Field, was engaged in drilling activities at the time.

There were 75 personnel onboard at the time: one person was injured and is currently in stable condition and receiving medical care.

However another person is said to be missing, and search and rescue efforts are underway.

All other personnel were safely evacuated from the rig.

Energy Minister Stuart Young says, “This unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of this morning. I received my first briefing at around 3:30 a.m. I am aware that the rig is owned and operated by private sector, Well Services. We are assisting via Heritage and will render whatever assistance we can.”

The Ministry says it is currently liaising with both Heritage Petroleum Limited and Well Services Limited.

It adds that the incident is under investigation.