Employee in stable condition after going overboard from offshore rig

A person is safe after going overboard from an offshore drilling rig early Saturday morning.

Statoil Canada said the incident happened at 2:45 a.m. from the Seadrill West Hercules, which is part of its exploration drilling program, about 500 kilometres east of St. John's.

The Seadrill employee was recovered by the Maersk Clipper rescue vessel and was then transported back to the rig.

The employee is listed in stable condition, and is under the care of a medic on board. A medevac was also sent to the rig.

Statoil said all the crew members have been accounted for on board the West Hercules. 

The incident was reported to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

Statoil said it's working closely with Seadrill and the West Hercules in its investigation of the incident.