Gulf of Mexico Region

Explosions - 1996

January 05, 1996 - DelMar Operating, Inc.

Remarks: The platform operator was warming up (idling) the gas compressor engine when the final discharge piping exploded and a small flash fire occurred with the explosion. The flash fire extinguished itself immediately. One operator was near the compressor piping when the explosion occurred, resulting in minor injuries to the eyes and face and ringing in the ears.

February 15, 1996 - TOTAL Minatome Corporation

Remarks: Platform operators were sitting in front of the operator's desk located in the southeast corner of the living quarters at approximately 0530 hours when the giatronic box exploded. It is believed that the explosion occurred due to the ignition of a possible chemical leakage and build-up of hydrogen from a 12Vdc/55AH sealed battery inside the airtight-sealed giatronic box. Following the explosion, the battery, estimated to be approximately 10 pounds in weight, fell from the shattered giatronic box onto an operator's lower back. He and a coworker immediately exited the east doorway of the living quarters following the explosion. Both returned to the area of the explosion within minutes, and an investigation revealed that damage was limited to the giantronic box and no additional fire damage was evident.

July 09, 1996 - Norcen Explorer, Inc.

Remarks: An explosion was heard and smoke was noticed at the generator building. The fire alarm was sounded and the emergency shutdown system was activated. The crew commenced to extinguish the fire with two 150# dry chemical extinguishing units and the fire pump from the platform. A workboat assisted in extinguishing the fire with the fire cannon. The fire was extinguished in approximately 20 minutes. During the investigation, it was determined that the 2" steel flex hose for the gas supply ruptured, flooding the generator building with natural gas. The ignition source appears to have been the engine shut-down panel, which is in close proximity of the hose. When the hose ruptured, it struck the panel and detached the cover and wiring, which probably caused a spark.

September 20, 1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: A 98-ft steel hull shrimp trawler enroute to Grand Chenier collided with the single satellite Well No. 160 resulting in an explosion and fire. All personnel abandoned the vessel and were rescued. All safety devices operated properly and closed off the well stream flow. G/L gas was shut in at the SM 236 A production facility. The collision and subsequent explosion and fire resulted in severe damage to the satellite well, as well as to the shrimp trawler. No injuries or pollution were reported.

September 21, 1996 - Enron Oil & Gas Company

Remarks: Investigation pending

November 27, 1996 - Tana Oil and Gas Corporation

Remarks: An explosion occurred with an ensuing fire, all of which was the result of the loss of well control. The crew was nearing the end of its completion procedure for the well and the SCSSV had just been opened to allow a wireline gauge run. It had been necessary to use the mud pumps to pressure up on top of the SCSSV to equalize the pressure so the SCSSV would open. This pressure was bled off into the mud pit room. Within seconds of opening the valve in the mud pit room, the explosion occurred. The fire continued to burn and the rig was evacuated.

Last Updated: 10/19/09, 11:52 AM