Lifeboat problem shuts down oil platform

A defective lifeboat forced the partial evacuation of Norway’s Veslefrikk A offshore oil platform today, shutting down its 30,000 barrels-per-day production.

Part of the platform’s crew was flown by helicopter to another platform, after a lifeboat failed a routine test, Statoil ASA spokesman Harald Schjelderup said by telephone. Lifeboats are the crew’s key means of escape in an emergency.