Fatalities – 2003 (8 incidents – 10 fatalities)

January 16, 2003 - Century Exploration Company
(also listed as Fire, Explosion, and Injury)

Remarks: A Bell 206L-1 single engine helicopter was destroyed on impact with the platform. The helicopter crash landed on top of a generator skid on the platform deck and caught fire. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured and a third passenger was fatally injured. The three men were seen bailing out of the aircraft after impact. There was a second explosion and the fire became more intense. Platform personnel began to fight the fire with 30 lb. and 150 lb. dry chemical extinguishers and water. The NTSB cited the pilot’s improper approach and settling with power as probable causes (see NTSB factual and probable cause reports). Damage to the platform is estimated at $1,132,475.

February 22, 2003 – Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: A passenger on a single-engine helicopter received fatal injuries during a hot refueling operation. The helicopter had landed at the platform for an intermediate fuel stop en route to a West Cameron platform. During the refueling operation a wind gust started to push the helicopter about the platform. The pilot immediately began to shutdown the helicopter engine and applied the main rotor blade brake. The helicopter came to rest approximately one foot from the edge of the platform. After the helicopter came to rest, the pilot noticed that the main rotor blades had struck a passenger. The NTSB cited the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the hot refueling operation as the probable cause with high winds contributing to the accident (see NTSB factual and probable cause reports).

May 19, 2003 – Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.

Remarks: Two roustabouts were greasing the top pulleys of the port-aft crane (the rooster tail of the crane). When the job was finished, both men disconnected their fall restraint lanyards and descended their respective ladders, one on each side of the rooster tail. When the man on the in-board side of the crane descended to the top of the crane, the other man on the out-board side was missing. The missing man apparently slipped and fell into the water, approximately 120 feet below. The other man did not see or hear the man fall.

June 5, 2003 – Devon Energy Production Company, L. P.

Remarks: A contract employee was on the landing of a stairway to the platform’s skimmer deck level wrapping a light fixture in preparation for sandblasting operations. The landing was approximately 25 feet above the plus 10 deck. The light fixture extended approximately 2 feet from the landing. When the contract employee leaned out through the landing guardrails, in an attempt to wrap the light fixture with plastic, the light fixture broke off its pedestal. The employee fell and apparently struck his head before entering the water. He was retrieved from the water; however, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

July 5, 2003 – EOG Resources, Inc.
(also listed as Explosion)

Remarks: A well was approved to have the well stub removed. The procedure called for windows to be burned in numerous pipes. Each time a window was to be burned, cement was to be chipped away in order to gain access to the next successive pipe string. At the time of the incident, the diver was working in the 30” window, chipping away cement to gain access to the 20” pipe. At some point in this process, the diver ignited his cutting torch inside the 30” windows and an explosion occurred fatally injuring the diver.

July 13, 003 – Apache Oil Corporation

Remarks: A deckhand on anM/V fell overboard while taking a line off the platform. Rescue efforts were attempted for at least 30 minutes. By the time the deckhand was retrieved from the water he was deceased. Preliminary findings from the coroner indicate the deckhand was crushed to death.

August 13, 2003 – Unocal Exploration Corporation
(also listed as Injury)

Remarks: A Bell 206L-3 single engine helicopter crashed during take off from the platform. The aircraft was inbound to Intercoastal City carrying five onboard. The commercial pilot and two passengers were fatally injured and two other passengers seriously injured. Prior to the accident “everyone [was] rushing because rain was moving in”. Winds were 180 degrees at 23 knots. As the pilot increased engine RPM’s, the helicopter rolled to the right impacting the platform and water. The aircraft and two missing bodies were recovered. The NTSB filed a preliminary report and is continuing to investigate.

December 6, 2003 – Energy Resource Technology, Inc.

Remarks: A roustabout was assisting in moving a bundle of drill pipe to the catwalk from the port elevated pipe rack. He apparently moved from the starboard side of the bundle to the portside unwitnessed. The roustabout was caught between the bundle and the forward port pipe rack post when the load unexpectedly swung to port forward. He had been employed for one month. The AIMS Medic was alerted to administer medical treatment. The roustabout was transported to the hospital by helicopter and pronounced dead on arrival. See MMS report OCS 2004-046.

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