Fire at North Sea oil rig; no injuries

London, Aug 15:A fire at a North Sea drilling rig today has prompted the evacuation of non-essential personnel, but there were no reports of any injuries, said the rig's owner Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

''We believe the fire is extinguished and under control. We are still monitoring the situation. All personnel are accounted for,'' said Gary Krenek, the company's senior vice president and chief financial officer.

He said the Ocean Guardian rig, located 125 miles northeast of the Scottish port city of Aberdeen, has about 100 people normally working on board. The rig does not produce any oil or natural gas.

A spokeswoman from Britain's Royal Air Force said civilian helicopters had already taken 32 of the 87 crew to safety from the rig.

Reuters>