BP Evacuates Valhall Oilfield

BP has partially evacuated its Valhall oil field in the North Sea after rough weather barraged a barge and turned it loose, reports CNN. Though the company has reportedly lost control of the barge after its anchor was detached, production has continued despite the evacuation.

There are 235 people at the Valhall oil field, CNN reports, though the company has not confirmed how many of its workers are being evacuated. According to Reuters, one worker was killed and another two were injured when a large wave crashed into the rig. The oil field, which is co-owned by Hess, is located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and produces about 50,000 barrels of oil a day.

BP was notoriously responsible for the largest oil spill ever recorded, which began in April 2010 and lasted for nearly three months in the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven people were lost, and their bodies were never recovered. BP pleaded guilty to 11 manslaughter counts, two misdemeanor charges, and one felony for lying to the U.S. government. The oil company also agreed to pay $20.8 billion in fines.

According to CNN, the 360-feet long barge is managed by the Eide Marine Group, which will wait until morning before attempting to reassert control over it. Until then, the extent of damage won't be known for certain.