2010-09-08 13:55

JINAN - 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.

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.

The platform is located five nautical miles from the coast and is in waters seven meters deep.

Strong winds have prevented rescue boats from docking at the platform, said Zhai Jiugang, an official with the China Marine Search and Rescue Center.