CAIRO, July 3 (MENA) - Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resource Karim Badawi on Thursday held a virtual meeting with officials of ADES Holding Company and members of a fact-finding committee, to follow up on the fallout from the capsizing of the oil-drilling barge Admarine 12 in the Gulf of Suez.

The incident, which took place in Gabal Al Zeit area at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez, has left four workers dead and three others missing, while 23 crewmen have been safely rescued.

The minister called for intensifying aerial and maritime search operations for the three missing crewmen of the vessel, in coordination with relevant authorities.

He also ensured the provision of the necessary medical treatment for the injured, while affirming the government's commitment to supporting the families of those who lost their lives, as well as the relatives of the missing.

On his part, Chairman of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) Salah Abdel Kerim said a specialized committee has been formed to immediately investigate the circumstances of the incident.

The committee will review all maintenance and operational protocols for the barge, verify its compliance with technical standards and safety procedures and listen to the testimonies of survivors.

Abdel Kerim added that an operations room has been established in the Gulf of Suez to monitor the situation and implement urgent measures in response to the incident.

The minister asked the committee to urgently prepare an initial report on the incident's circumstances and possible scenarios for addressing its consequences. (MENA)

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