Deputy director fired over Russian oil rig sinking

According to Norway’s Barents Observer, Vasily Vasetsky, the deputy director of Arktikmorneftegazrazvedka (AMNGR), the owner of the jack-up rig Kolskya that capsized and sank in the Sea of Okhotsk last December, has been fired.

Fifty-three people died in the accident, reportedly the largest such tragedy ever in the Russian oil and gas sector. There were 67 aboard the rig when it toppled in rough seas and stormy weather.

Vasetsky’s firing comes after prosecutors found that several mistakes made during the towing operation.

One of which was that no one was supervising the tow.

Vasetsky was appointed to lead the operation, but he was out of the country. He maintains that he has no responsibility for the accident and has vowed to prove his innocence.

AMNGR’s deputy head of security has also received an admonition. He also denies responsibility.

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