British worker trapped in gas pipe

British worker trapped in gas pipe

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Local authorities here are
continuing to search for the British national believed to be
trapped in a gas pipe off Bontang island.

Graham Robertson Henry Weil, 36, who works for PT Mac Dermot
Indonesia, went missing Monday.

Lt. Col. Syamsurizal, chief of Bontang Police, was quoted by
Antara as saying yesterday that Weil was reportedly last seen
heading off to a welding job on a gas pipe.

The gas pipe is about six miles off Santan Unocal terminal in
Muara Badak, Bontang.

He said Weil left the terminal with three colleagues, John
Moni (50), also a Briton, Patrick Leonard (38), an American, and
Johan Soumokil (36) from Ambon.

Many said Weil could have been sucked into the 1-meter
diameter gas pipe after opening the valve.

The pipe channels gas from its source off Bontang island to an
inland terminal.

Syamsurizal said after receiving a report on the accident, a
number of policemen and coastguard patrols were immediately
deployed to search for Weil.

He said the company's security personnel have flooded the pipe
with water in an attempt to find his body.

Syamsurizal said the police had not dismissed the possibility
of foul play and are investigating.