Concerns are growing over the Cliff Head oil platform, which is now abandoned and unlit, posing safety risks to mariners. The platform, located 11 kilometers off the coast of Dongara, has been unused since the voluntary administration of its operators, Pilot and Triangle Energy, which occurred in July. With a cleanup cost estimated at $200 million, the question of responsibility remains unresolved.
The platform has served as a navigation aid for over a decade, but its lack of lighting has raised alarms, especially since the waters are frequented by commercial fishermen and other vessels. Western Australia’s Department of Transport has issued warnings about the unlit rig, advising mariners to be cautious and to observe a 500-meter exclusion zone around the site. Maritime Union of Australia’s Thomas Mayo emphasized the dangers of having unlit structures at sea, particularly during nighttime.
The future of the Cliff Head platform remains uncertain, with federal officials stating that taxpayers will not bear the cleanup costs. Calls for more decisive action are growing, as industry practices of abandoning rigs without proper decommissioning could lead to increased hazards for maritime activities. Authorities are currently working on deploying navigational aids to improve safety around the facility.
