HOW THE RIG TILTED

The rig passes an initial integrity test of 9,000 tonnes for each leg.

Dec 3

10.30am The rig begins to tilt on its forward leg.

The braking system on the forward leg fails and the platform begins to slide down.

Yesterday

Dec 2

The area around the rig is cordoned off for investigation.

LEGS

Each leg is controlled by 18 sets of pinions, gear boxes and brakes. This system is used to lower and raise the platform, and keep it level. The brakes keep the platform from sliding down the legs. Seawater is pumped into the platform to strength-test each leg. The water is removed after the test.

PLATFORM is level at all times

Brakes still engaged

The weight of the platform pulls the entire structure to its front, tilting by about 10 deg.

The rig has now tilted by 17 deg

SEA LEVEL

SEABED

Legs are e 3m into thmbedded e seabed

About 980 workers are evacuated. In less than an hour, all are accounted for.

Most of the 89 injured workers suffered minor injuries. Three were warded: one for a hairline fracture of the shin and the other two for swollen ankles.
GRAPHICS: MIKE M DIZON