Apache Corp has announced that on February 5, during drilling operations at Main Pass 295 in the Gulf of Mexico utilizing the Ensco 87 rig, Apache took a kick from an abnormally pressured gas zone.
The well has since been shut in and the blowout preventers are functioning properly.
Apache is working with well control experts from Boots and Coots to kill the well. Diagnostic procedures indicated an underground migration from the bottom of the well (8,261ft) to another sand formation at approximately 1,100 feet.
At the direction of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Apache is preparing to move the Rowan Cecil Provine, another drilling rig currently under contract with Apache, to the location in the event that it is determined that a relief well is necessary.
There have been no injuries associated with the incident and the company has evacuated 15 non-essential people from the facility. An additional 50 people remain on board.
There have been no bubbles on the surface and divers have verified there has been no breach on the sea floor. The event involves natural gas and there are no associated hydrocarbon liquids involved said the company in a statement.
