2 missing after typhoon tilts offshore oil platform in E China

16:23, 8 September 2010

JINAN. September 8. KAZINFORM Thirty four workers have been saved and two are still missing after strong wind brougt by typhoon Malou tilted an oil drilling platform in Bohai Bay Tuesday evening, the platform's operator, Shengli Oilfield, a subsidiary of Sinopec, said Wednesday; Kazinform refers to China Daily.

The valve on the oil rig has been closed and there is no risk of an oil spill, the company said in a statement.

The Shengli Oilfield No. 3 drilling platform leaned over 45 degrees when Typhoon Malou struck the bay Tuesday evening. Four people fell into the sea while 32 were trapped on the platform.

By 9:30 am Wednesday, 34 people, including two who fell into the sea, had been saved. Rescuers were still searching for the other two who fell into the sea.

The rescued workers are in stable conditions, the Shengli Oilfield statement said.

Shandong Marine Search and Rescue Center immediately sent rescue teams to the platform. The Ministry of Transport has organized teams from Tianjin Marine Search and Rescue Center to help with the rescue. At least six vessels and two helicopters are participating in the rescue; Kazinform cites China Daily.

See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version

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