AKIPRESS.COM - A major fire has broken out on an offshore oil platform in Azerbaijan’s section of the Caspian Sea.

The company says two people died and 32 were evacuated - while 29 more are missing, reports RT.

The fire started overnight at a rig at the Gunashli field southeast of Neft Daşları (Oil Rocks) settlement. It was caused by strong winds that damaged a gas pipeline on the platform, the Azeri state energy company SOCAR said.

"The fire in the gas pipeline has not been completely extinguished and it has not been ruled out that it could spread to oil and gas wells near the platform," it stated.

The rescue operation was hampered by stormy weather with waves rising up to 11 meters high, Trend news website reported.

Initial statements did not mention those missing. The order signed by President Ilham Aliyev to launch a probe into the fire only said 1 person was killed and 32 were saved.