The claims made by angry rig workers say the companies did not follow their own safety procedures for working in cyclonic conditions.

A worker was quoted saying the Ocean Epoch continued drilling until three hours prior to the cyclone hitting, with winds gusting up to 190 kilometres per hour. The Department of Resources and Industry is investigating the matter.

Santos spokesman, Graeme Bethune, said the companies had made the decision to keep people on board the rig instead of helicoptering them out.

“I am sure the guidelines we have were followed,” he was quoted as saying. Santos would be carrying out its own investigation.

It was reported the rig sustained damage during the cyclone with newspaper reports putting the figure at $10 million.

Usually drilling operations are halted 12 hours prior to a cyclone hitting.