Statoil pulls workers from offshore platform after storm forecast

STAVANGER, Norway, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Norwegian energy company Statoil said 97 people were evacuated from a platform in the Norwegian Sea as a precaution "after storm forecasts."

Three helicopters were used in the airlift, the company said Saturday.

"After storm forecasts, Statoil decided to remove personnel from the Njord A platform in the Norwegian Sea as a precautionary measure," a statement said.

Statoil said the platform has been out of service since mid-2013 and was emptied of any residual oil and natural gas.

Personnel on Njord A have been checking on the platform's integrity and security systems before we restore the manning of the platform to normal levels," said Arve Rennemo, Njord A's production director.