CARACAS, Venezuela - An offshore natural gas platform sunk off Venezuela on Thursday, and 95 workers were rescued safely, the government said.
All of the workers on the Aban Pearl platform off eastern Sucre state were safely evacuated, and the sinking poses no threat to the environment, Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez told state television.
The navy rescued the workers using a frigate and boats, Ramirez said. The gas platform disappeared into the Caribbean Sea at 2:20 a.m.
President Hugo Chavez announced the sinking on Twitter early Thursday, saying: "To my sorrow, I inform you that the Aban Pearl gas platform sank moments ago. The good news is that 95 workers are safe."
Officials are investigating what could have caused the platform to sink, Ramirez said. He said there was a problem with the flotation systems of the semi-submergible platform that led to a massive water leak in one area.
Last week, Ramirez stood atop the rig on live television discussing the project with Chavez.
The exploration platform at the Dragon 6 gas field was operated by the state energy company Petroleos de Venezuela SA off the Paria Peninsula of eastern Venezuela, near Trinidad and Tobago.
Venezuela, a major oil exporter and OPEC member, is exploring offshore natural gas fields that are among the biggest known deposits in the world.
