Timor-Leste: Six Years after the Montara Oil Spill, Those Who Suffered Most Still Seek Compensation

Aug 30, 2015 | News.com.au
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On August 21, 2009, the West Atlas rig owned by the Norwegian-Bermudan Seadrill and operated by Perth-based operation PTTEP Australasia Montara sprung a leak. For 74 days, gas and oil poured into the Timor Sea. Some estimates put the leakage at 500,000 litres per day, others range from between 400 and 2000 barrels of oil per 24 hours. The well operator rushed to remove 69 staff from the Montara oil field and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority sprayed more than 180,000 litres of dispersants into the water. The ALA report states the impacts were widespread and continue today.