Fire Reported on Pemex Offshore Platform in the Gulf of Mexico

October 21, 2026

A fire broke out on 19 October on an offshore platform operated by Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Pemex, in the Bay of Campeche, prompting an emergency response involving firefighting vessels.

The company confirmed that an alarm was triggered at approximately 11:15 local time on Abkatún-H, an unmanned satellite platform. Pemex immediately activated its emergency procedures and dispatched fireboats to the installation. Video footage shared online by workers and contractors at neighbouring platforms showed thick smoke rising from the site.

Located approximately 73 kilometres from Ciudad del Carmen in Campeche State, Abkatún-H forms part of the Abkatún-Pol-Chuc complex, a major hub for Mexico’s offshore oil production.

Pemex reported that no casualties had been confirmed following the incident. At around 16:00 local time, response operations were still underway in accordance with established safety procedures.

The company has yet to disclose what caused the fire or provide details of any damage sustained by the platform. It also remains unclear whether hydrocarbons were released into the sea or whether production at the affected installation and surrounding facilities has been disrupted.

The incident adds to recent safety and environmental concerns surrounding Pemex’s offshore infrastructure. In February 2026, a hydrocarbon leak in the Bay of Campeche reportedly released at least 915 tonnes of hydrocarbons and affected approximately 630 kilometres of coastline. On 9 September, the company also reported a pipeline leak at the Chuc-1 platform.

Further updates from Pemex are expected to clarify the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage and whether production has been affected. The results of any environmental monitoring will also be important in determining whether the incident has had an impact beyond the platform itself.