PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Feb 9, CMC – More than a year after an oil rig worker, Pete Phillip, went missing at sea, his employer, Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd Monday said that it has officially called off the search.
“Despite the best efforts and dedication of all personnel involved under these gruelling conditions, it is with profound sadness that we confirm Mr. Phillip’s remains have not been recovered. With nowhere else to search and having exhausted all avenues, a decision has been made to abandon any further attempt to locate Mr Phillip’s remains,” the company said in a statement.
The 45-year-old father of six had gone missing ever since the December 22, 2024, when Rig 110, owned and operated by the drilling contractor operating in Trinidad and Tobago and regionally and providing drilling and workover services, suffered a partial collapse during drilling activities.
At the time of the collapse, Phillip was on the rig floor. While the other 74 employees on the structure were accounted for, he could not be located.
In its statement, the company said that following the incident an extensive and highly coordinated salvage and recovery operation by both local and foreign experts commenced on January 13, 2025, as part of Phase 2 operations.
The company explained that these operations involved comprehensive technical assessments and systematic search activities carried out under challenging conditions, with one of the main objectives being the recovery of Phillip’s remains.
Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd said the failure to locate the body is deeply distressing for all parties and that its thoughts remain firmly with Phillip’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
“The organisation acknowledges the immense emotional toll this situation continues to place on Mr. Phillip’s loved ones. We extend our sincere condolences to his family. This is certainly not the outcome we were hoping for,” the company said, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting Phillip’s immediate family during this period of grief, with continued access to appropriate assistance and resources and ongoing engagement grounded in compassion, transparency, and respect.
At the time of his death, Phillip’s wife, Candacy, was pregnant and two months after gave birth to a boy.
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