In a solemn operation marking the first anniversary of a devastating offshore accident, specialized divers have now accessed the waters beneath the partially collapsed Well Services Ltd Rig 110 to search for the remains of Pete Phillip. The tragic incident occurred on December 22, 2024, in the East Soldado Field, leaving Phillip unaccounted for among the 75 crew members present during the partial structural failure.
Phillip’s wife, Candacy, received official notification from the company on December 23, just one day after the anniversary. “I just wish that I get another call saying that something (remains) come up,” she emotionally told Newsday. “It’s a whole year and the family and I not seeing nothing. We can’t recover up to now. We just want a little closure.”
The recovery operation faced significant delays due to safety concerns regarding the rig’s structural instability, requiring specialized equipment to be sourced internationally. After obtaining all necessary approvals, a U.S.-based salvage company initiated a two-phase operation in November: first stabilizing the structure and removing hazardous materials, followed by the recovery of Phillip’s remains and eventual removal of the rig itself.
Company officials indicate that if initial dives prove unsuccessful, the search will continue once the entire structure is lifted from the water. Meanwhile, Phillip’s immediate family held a memorial service at their La Romaine home on the accident’s anniversary, seeking emotional closure despite the absence of physical remains.
Phillip’s sister Patricia explained the family’s perspective: “We decide we ain’t get to do the funeral and we have to do the one year, at least we can still put him at rest until we could get the last of the remains of the body… of the bones or whatever.” The emotional toll has been particularly heavy on Phillip’s five children, who continue to await resolution one year after their father’s disappearance.