WELL Services Petroleum Company Ltd says a US-based contractor is undertaking work to salvage its Rig 110 platform and recover the remains of its employee Pete Phillip who went missing – and is presumed dead – when the rig suffered a partial collapse last December.

In a statement on November 12, Well Services said the US contractor started salvage and recovery efforts, initiating phase one, which focuses on risk mitigation and site stabilisation to ensure safety of personnel, protection of the marine environment, and the integrity of surrounding assets.

"Regulatory approval for the works has been granted through the issuance of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA)."