Oil exploration companies told to follow SOPs after barge P305 tragedy

After more than 70% of contract employees at barge P305 in the Arabian Sea were killed in the wake of cyclone Tauktae, the Centre has directed oil exploration and production companies to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the safety of workers. The directions were issued following IMD’s warning that Yaas was likely to “intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm”. It’s likely to cross West Bengal and north Odisha coasts on the evening of May 26. IMD has predicted that wind speed could be in the range of 155-165 km per hour, gusting to 185 km per hour. Yaas is also likely to impact TN, Andhra, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry.