Swift Energy Co. [NYSE: SFY] is working to control a shut-in well that was struck by a marine vessel at its Lake Washington field in Plaquemines Parish, La., at about 7 pm CST on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The Houston-based company said the collision damaged the wellhead and resulted in an outflow of water, oil, and natural gas into the lake.
Swift’s incident command team responded to the situation and worked during the night and into the next day. By Wednesday afternoon, Swift said the well was leaking mostly water and a small amount of oil. State, federal, and local authorities were on-scene to develop a plan with Swift to bring the well under control.
Once containment is achieved and repair executed, Swift will be able to determine any volumes leaked into the water.
No injuries were reported, and primary containment boom and oil skimming equipment was deployed around the well site to protect shorelines, facilities, and private property. Additional containment and skimming equipment was used to protect any nearby marshlands.
The well was shut-in five years ago and hasn’t produced since that time, according to a statement from Swift. It’s located in the shallow waters of the Lake Washington field.
Founded in 1979, Swift Energy operates oil and gas properties onshore in Texas and Louisiana and in the inland waters of coastal Louisiana.
