A tragic jackup collapse occurred late Tuesday, July 1, when the oil drilling barge Admarine 12 capsized in the Red Sea, approximately 130 miles south of the Suez Canal. Operated by ADES Holding, the barge was being relocated when its legs collapsed, leading to a fatal offshore accident.
Offshore Accident in Egypt Leaves 4 Crew Dead, 3 Missing
The offshore accident in Egypt involved 30 personnel—18 from ADES and 12 contractors. Rescue operations led by Egyptian authorities recovered 23 individuals. Sadly, four crew members died, and three remain missing. The deceased include three ADES employees and one contractor, reportedly due to drowning.

Crew Dead and Injured in Red Sea Oil Rig Disaster
Four survivors were airlifted to hospitals, and 18 were transported by ambulance. Most injuries were minor, including bruises and fractures, though two individuals remain in serious condition. The dead crew were recovered, and search efforts for the missing continue with support from the Egyptian Navy.
Admarine 12 Jackup Rig Was Being Relocated
The Admarine 12, built in 1966, could operate in waters up to 150 feet deep. It was being moved between sites in the Gabal El-Zeit region as part of a joint venture between ADES and Offshore Shukheir Oil Co. (OSOCO). The Suez Canal Authority confirmed that navigation was not affected by the incident.
ADES Holding Responds to the Oil Rig Disaster
ADES Holding, a Saudi-based oil and gas drilling services provider, operates 91 assets globally, including 51 offshore units. The company expressed condolences and is cooperating with Egyptian authorities. An internal investigation is underway alongside a formal inquiry by Egypt’s public prosecution team.
Investigation Launched into Suez Canal Offshore Incident
Authorities are investigating whether proper safety protocols were followed during the towing operation. The Suez Canal offshore incident has raised concerns about the safety of aging offshore infrastructure and the need for stricter oversight during rig relocations.
The Maritime-Hub News Network.