Background on Pemex and its Relevance
Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) is Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company, responsible for exploring, producing, refining, and marketing oil and natural gas. As the largest company in Mexico, Pemex plays a crucial role in the country’s energy sector and economy. Its operations, including offshore drilling platforms like the Akal-R in Campeche, are vital for Mexico’s oil production.
The Incident: Pirate Attack on Pemex Platform
Pemex reported an attack on its offshore facilities to the Fiscal General de la República (FGR) after confirming that a group of unidentified individuals boarded the Akal-R platform, part of the Cantarell Extractive Activity, located in the Campeche Bay.
According to an information bulletin released by the company, the incident occurred on the night of August 18th around 22:00 hours. The platform’s administration reported the irregular boarding, and in response, Pemex activated the General Protocol for Attending Events in Maritime and Coastal Installations, coordinating with the Secretaría de Marina (Semar).
However, the perpetrators could not be located as they made off with approximately 50 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units, critical for the safety of firefighters and workers in low-oxygen environments.
Impact on Operations and Safety Measures
Pemex confirmed that no workers were physically injured during the attack, but three employees experienced nervous breakdowns and were stabilized on-site. In response to the incident, Pemex, in collaboration with Semar, has reinforced security and surveillance measures in the area to prevent future occurrences.
History of Attacks on Pemex Platforms
These pirate attacks on Pemex platforms have been recurring for years. Initially carried out under the cover of darkness, these attacks have escalated to daylight robberies. Stolen items include hydraulic pumps, copper cables, industrial lighting, firefighter helmets, solar panels, lifeboats, and self-contained breathing apparatus like the one taken from Akal-R recently.
Such incidents have not only occurred in Campeche but also in Tabasco.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened? A group of unidentified individuals boarded the Akal-R platform in Campeche Bay, stole around 50 self-contained breathing apparatus units, and fled the scene.
- Who reported the incident? Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) reported the attack to the Fiscal General de la República (FGR).
- Were there any injuries? No physical injuries were reported among the workers, although three employees experienced nervous breakdowns.
- What measures have been taken in response? Pemex, in collaboration with the Secretaría de Marina (Semar), has reinforced security and surveillance measures in the area to prevent future incidents.
- How frequent are these attacks? These pirate attacks on Pemex platforms have been recurring for years, escalating from nighttime robberies to daylight incidents.
