5 Largest Offshore Accidents
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 2,300 cases of oil rig accidents in any given year. About 200 of these cases result in fatal injuries, which is why oil industry workers should take extreme precautionary measures to avoid disasters.
Unfortunately, some oil companies cut corners to save time and money. In doing so, they end up causing catastrophic accidents resulting in long-term consequences for the workers. Below are some of the major offshore accidents ever witnessed:
1. Ocean Ranger oil rig disaster, Canada
Ocean Ranger oil rig disaster occurred in the North Atlantic Sea off Newfoundland, Canada, on 15th February 1982. The semi-submersible drilling unit capsized and sank, killing 84 members on board.
According to a marine investigators board, the accident was caused by a large wave that broke a porthole window. Consequently, water entered the control room, causing the Ocean Ranger two malfunction two hours later. Even though crew members managed to vacate the rig and moved into lifeboat stations, only one lifeboat with 36 members survived.
2. Bohai 2 oil rig disaster, China
The Bohai 2 oil rig disaster took place in Bohai’s golf off the coast of China on 25th November 1979. It’s considered one of the fatal offshore accidents, having claimed the lives of 72 crew members out of 76 onboard.
The accident was caused by a strong storm that occurred as the rig was being towed. Shortly afterward, the ventilator pump broke due to strong winds, causing a puncture hole in the deck. There was extensive flooding as the water flowed through the damaged deck, making the oil rig lose stability and eventually capsize.
3. Mumbai High North Disaster, India
On 27th July 2005, the Mumbai High North platform caught fire and killed 22 people after colliding with a multi-purpose support vehicle (MSV). The MSV was pushed towards the platform by the Arabian Sea’s strong swells, causing it to hit the rear part of the Mumbai High North. Due to the collision’s impact, about two of the platform’s gas export risers raptured, leading to ignition and eventually fire.
4. Enchova Central Platform disaster, Brazil
The Enchova Central Platform disaster occurred in Campos Basin near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August 1984. A total number of 42 people died after the platform exploded due to a blowout.
Lifeboats successfully rescued most crew members except for the 42 who died during the evacuation process. Out of the 42 deaths, 36 were caused by a malfunction of a lifeboat’s lowering mechanism. This caused the lifeboat to remain suspended vertically before eventually falling 20 meters deep into the sea. Another 6 people died as they tried to jump from the platform and into the sea.
5. Piper Alpha, North Sea, United Kingdom
In the entire history of offshore oil rig accidents, Piper Alpha is regarded as the most fatal, having claimed 167 people’s lives. The accident occurred in July 1988, due to a gas leak from one of the condensate pipes.
The primary cause of the accident can be blamed on poor communication between crew members. During routine maintenance, the crew manning the platform removed a safety valve of the condensate-injection pump during the day. Two blind flanges were then used to temporarily seal the open pipe until the maintenance routine was complete.
Unknowingly, the night crew staff switched on the pump resulting in gas leakage from the two blind flanges. Consequently, there was an ignition followed by a series of explosions on the platform.
Involved in an offshore accident?
Despite observing all safety measures, offshore accidents can still happen. If you or your loved ones are involved in an offshore accident, be sure to consult Johnson Garcia LLP Houston maritime lawyers. We have over 25 years of both legal and maritime law experience to settle your case fairly.