Fire contained on platform in Iran’s South Pars gas field

A fire broke out on Tuesday on a gas platform in Phase 14 of Iran’s South Pars field, but authorities said it was quickly extinguished. The incident matters because South Pars is the world’s largest offshore natural gas field and a major source of Iran’s gas supply.

Seventeen workers jumped into the sea to escape and were later reported in good condition after reaching lifeboats and rescue craft; three heavy rescue vessels were sent to bring them back. Officials are considering a gas leak or operational mishap as possible causes. The platform produces 14.5 million cubic metres a day, compared with more than 700 million across the field; Iran shares the reservoir with Qatar, whose portion is called North Dome.