The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) remains deeply concerned about the continued delay in the salvage and recovery efforts stemming from the Rig 110 incident, which occurred in December 2024 and tragically claimed the life of Mr. Pete Phillip.
As the lead regulatory body in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, the MEEI reminds all private and state-owned energy companies that they are legally obligated to report all incidents, including regular updates on ongoing remediation and salvage efforts.
The MEEI said it has been closely monitoring developments in the Rig 110 salvage operation, which involves the recovery of tanks, fuels and fluids; raising the rig, cutting the legs and shifting the collapsed rig away from the well; refloating the rig for final disposal and the recovery of Mr. Phillip.
With the recovery of Mr. Phillip still outstanding, the Ministry said Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Ernesto Kesar, is again appealing to all parties involved to act with urgency, safety, and compassion to bring closure to Mr. Phillip’s family and loved ones.
“In May 2025, Minister Kesar and a team of technical officers attached to the MEEI received a briefing from Well Services regarding the Rig 110 incident. At this meeting, the projected time frame for salvage activity was laid out by Well Services, with the expectation that the salvage operation of the collapsed rig would begin in June 2025. Minister Kesar asked the company, at that time, for salvage activities to be expedited and for Well Services to ensure compassionate and consistent support to the family of the victim.”
However, as of mid-August 2025, the Ministry said Well Services has failed to commence salvage operations, and no official communication has been made to the MEEI explaining the delay.
“The MEEI therefore calls on the company to officially provide timely notifications on the progress of salvage activity and the recovery of the victim. The MEEI further reiterates that as the lead Government agency for oil and gas exploration, it is obligated, in the interest of all citizens, to protect all assets within the energy sector. As such, all channels of communication between the MEEI and its stakeholders remain open and the MEEI remains available to treat with urgency any regulatory approvals required so that the salvage operation can begin as soon as possible.”