OCS Report 

MMS 93-0030 

Incidents Associated with 


Oil and Gas Operations 


Outer Continental Shelf 

1995-1996 

Data Collected By 

Regional and District Personnel 

Database Managed By 

Regional and District Personnel 

Publication Compiled By 

L. John Chadwell 

With Assistance From 

Melinda Mayes 


Cheryl Anderson 


This document can also be viewed electronically at: 

http://www.mms.gov 

U.S. Department of the Interior Herndon, VA 

Minerals Management Service 1998 
Foreword 


The following is a compilation of incidents that occurred on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) 

and were reported to the Mjnerals Management Service (MMS) for the years 1995 and 1996. 

This report lists the incidents separately by Region and then by type. (Note: There are no 

sections for the Atlantic and Alaska Regions in this report because no incidents occurred there 

during the 1995-1996 reporting period.) After the listing of the individual incidents, we have 

included a new section that summarizes the information graphically. For the purpose of this 

report, incident is defined as any event classified as a blowout, collision, explosion, fatality, fire, 

injury, pipeline release, or spill greater than 50 barrels. 

Data in this report have been compiled from the Technical Information Management System 

(TIMS) database for the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico OCS Regions. It was cross-checked by 

performjng multiple analyses and by checkjng paper records on file in MMS's headquarters 

office in Herndon, Va. TIMS is a large database recently created by MMS , wruch contruns data 

gathered from many MMS sources for both internal and public use. In addition to contruning 

information on OCS incidents, TIMS also includes data on items such as: platforms, number and 

type of well bores, seisrruc analysis, leasing data, production rates, and royalty management. 

As of 1995, all OCS incidents reported to MMS are entered into the TIMS database (older data 

are still mruntruned in other MMS databases and as paper copies). One of the major concerns 

with the incident component of TIMS is data quality. With the recent increase in operations in 

the Gulf of Mexico, both MMS and industry are placing increased emphasis on operator 

performance and safety. With thjs increased attention to performance, the quality of the incident 

data in TIMS takes on additional importance. As both MMS and industry rely more and more on 

incident data and data analysis as a component of performance measurement, the potential impact 

of the incident information contruned in TIMS will also increase. 

In trus regard, MMS has made every effort to ensure that data taken from TIMS and contajned in 

thjs report are as accurate as possible. However, we rerrund users of this report that, as with any 

live database, MMS continues to update and amend the data as new information is obtained. The 

MMS welcomes any suggestions or corrections regarding this report in general or concerning 

specific data contruned in the report. Comments about this document may be sent to: 

Mr. Joe Levine 

Chief, Operations Analysis Branch 

Minerals Management Service 

381 Elden Street, MS 4022 

Herndon, VA 20170-4817 

Emrul: joseph.levine@mms.gov 

- II­
Contents 


Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


Abbreviations and Acronyms . . ............. . ...... . ........... . ....... . ......... . v 


Executive Summary ......... . ....... . ................ . . . .. . . . .. . .... . .... . .... vi 


Introduction ........ . ..................... . ........... . .. . ................. . . . 1 


I. Authority ................................... . . . .................. 1 


II. Importance and Relation to Other Aspects of Safety Program . . .... .. . . . .. .. 1 


ill. Accident Reporting Requirements and Policies .... . .. . ... . ..... . .... . . . .. 1 


IV. OCS Activity 1995-1996 ... . .... .. ... . .... . . .. ...... . .... .. ... .. . . . . 2 


V. Summary of OCS Incident Data and Trends 1995-1996 . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . .. . .. 2 


Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Incidents 


Blowouts 1995 . . ... . ....... . . . ...... .. ... . ...... . .... . .................. 4 


Blowouts 1996 .......... . . . .. . . . .. . .. .. .... .. . . . .. ....... . . . ... . . ... .. .. 4 


Collisions 1995 

Other Incidents 1996 ..... . ...... . .. .. .. .. .. ... . . ... .. .. .. ... . . . ...... . . l 0 l 


. . . . . .. . ... .. . . . .. ... .. . . ................................ 7 


Collisions 1996 .... . ...... . .......... .. . . ....... . .... . . ... . .. .. ...... . . . 9 


Explosions 1996 .. . ... . . . . .. . .. . . . .. .... .. . ... .. . . . .. . .. . .. .. . .. ... .. ... 12 


Fires 1995 .. . .. . ............ . .......................................... 16 


Fires 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. . .. 3 1 


Fatalities 1995 ............. .. ... . ... .. ............. . . .. .. ... .. . .. ... . . . 62 


Fatalities 1996 . .. .... ... .. ........ .. . . .. .. .... .. . ..... . . . . . ............ 65 


Injuries 1995 ........ . . . .. . .......... . .... . . . .......................... 68 


Injuries 1996 .......................... . ............. . ..... . .. . .... . . . . 76 


Significant Pollution Incidents 1995 ....... . ..... ... ... . ............... ... .. 94 


Significant Pollution Incidents 1996 .. .. ... . .... . . . .... . .. .. ... . .. . .... . . .. . 96 


Pipeline Incidents 1995 . ... ... .. . . . .. . .. .. ... .. . .... . .. . . ... . . .. ... . .. . . . 97 


Pipeline Incidents 1996 ........ . ......................................... 98 


Pacific OCS Region Incidents 


Fires 1995 .................... .. .. . .... . ..... .. .... . ...... . .... . .. ... . 103 


Fires 1996 .............. . ............. . ...... . ... . ....... .. ....... . ... 103 


Injuries 1995 ..... .. .... .. ... .. .. . . . ... . .. . . . .......... . .. .. ... . .... .. 105 


Injuries 1996 ............ . ... .. .... . .. . ...... . ......... .. . .... .... . . .. 108 


Significant Pollution Incidents 1996 . ... . . . .. . .... .. .... . ....... . .......... 109 


Other Incidents 1995 ... . .... . .. . ... . .. . . .. ..... . .... . ................ . . 110 


Other Incidents 1996 ............. . .... . . ... . .. ... .. ... .. .. . .. ... . ... .. . 11 0 


-iii­
Appendix - Graphical Summary of Incident Data 

OCS Fatalities Reported to MMS 1967 - 1997 A-1 


OCS Incidents Reported to MMS 1995 - 1996 A-2 


Causes of OCS Fatalities 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3 


Causes of OCS Blowouts 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4 


Causes of OCS Explosions 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5 


Causes of Collisions with an OCS Facility 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6 


Causes of OCS Fires 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7 


Causes of OCS Injuries 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8 


Total OCS Incidents/Causes 1995 - 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9 


Summary of OCS Incident Causes 1995 - 1996 . ... .. ... . .. . . . .. . ... . . ... . . . . . . . . A-10 


-iv­
Abbreviations and Acronyms 


AC 

bbl 

BOP 

CFR 

C02 

ESD 

ft 

GIL 

gal 

GOM 

H2S 

HI 

in 

LSH 

LSHI.. 

LSL 

MMS 

MOU 

MN 

NE 

NRC 

ocs 

OCSLA 

POV 

psi 

PSH 

PSL 

PSV 

RTU 

SCADA 

SCSSV 

SM 

SS 

SSSV 

SW 

TD 

TIMS 

lLWP 

TSE 

TSH 

USCG 

VRS 

VRU 

WHRU 

-Alternating Current 

-Barrel(s) 

-Blowout Preventer 

-Code of Federal Regulations 

-Carbon Dioxide 

-Emergency Shut Down 

-Foot (feet) 

-Gas I Liquid 

-Gallon 

-Gulf of Mexico 

-Hydrogen Sulfide 

-High Island 

-Inch 

-Level Safety High 

-Level Safety High Low 

-Level Safety Low 

-Minerals Management Service 

-Memorandum of Understanding 

-Mobile Vessel 

-Northeast 

-National Response Center 

-Outer Continental Shelf 

-Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 

-Pressure Operated Valves 

-Pounds Per Square Inch 

-Pressure Safety High 

-Pressure Safety Low 

-Pressure Safety Valve 

-Remote Terminal Unit 

-Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition 

-Surface controlled subsurface safety valve 

-South Marsh Island 

-Stainless Steel 

-Subsurface Safety Valve 

-Southwest 

-Total Depth 

-Technical Information Management System 

-Tension Leg Well Platform 

-Temperature Safety Element (fusible material) 

-Temperature Safety High 

-U.S. Coast Guard 

-Vapor Recovery System 

-Vapor Recovery Unit 

-Waste Heat Recovery Unit 

-v­
Executive Summary 


The purpose of this report is to present OCS incident information for the years 1995 and 1996. 

Incident data are based solely on MMS's TIMS database, a nationwide OCS information 

gathering system. Incident information included in this report has been categorized by region, 

type, year, and sorted by date. 

During 1995-1996, 285 incidents occurred on the OCS (see bar chart in the Appendix, p. A-2). 

Almost half ( 129) of these incidents were fires. Most of the fires were minor and resulted in 

little or no damage and no injuries. Almost one-third of the incidents were injuries, with 88 

occurring during 1995-1996. The majority of these injuries were minor. Both the number of 

fires and number of injuries recorded in TIMS doubled from 1995 to 1996. Part of this increase 

may be a result of changes in GOM record-keeping requirements that became effective August 

1996. Blowouts, explosions, fatalities, pipeline incidents, and incidents in the other categories 

have also shown some increase from 1995-1996. During 1995-1996, there were 5 blowouts, 8 

explosions, 18 fatalities, 11 pipeline events, 8 significant pollution events (~ 50 bbls), and 7 

incidents in the "other" category. There were also 11 collisions with OCS facilities during this 

period. 

Overall, the most frequent cause of incidents in 1995 and 1996 was equipment failure; the 

second most frequent cause was human error. The majority of these incidents occurred during 

production operations. 

Using the cause determinations from the initial incident reports, the primary cause of fires was 

equipment failure, the second most frequent was human error. For injuries, the primary cause 

was human error, the second most frequent was slip/trip/fall, and the third most frequent cause 

was equipment failure. The primary causes of fatalities were human error and slip/trip/fall. Most 

fatalities occurred during production operations. The second most common operation was 

drilling, and the third was well completion and welding operations. Blowouts were mainly a 

result of equipment failure and human error, occurring primarily during drilling operations and 

secondly in well completion activities. Explosions mainly occurred during production activities 

and were primarily caused by equipment failure and human error. Collisions with OCS facilities 

were caused primarily by human error and equipment failure. Pie charts showing the causes of 

these incident categories can be found in the Appendix of this report. 

-vi­
INTRODUCTION 


I . AUTHORITY 

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) requires that either MMS or the U.S. Coast 

Guard (USCG) prepare a public report for all deaths, serious injuries, major fires, and major oil 

spillages (>200 barrels within 30 days) resulting from OCS mineral operations. To carry out the 

requirements in OCSLA, the MMS and the USCG have signed a Memorandum of Understanding 

(MOU) that provides guidelines for identifying the agency that will normally conduct the 

investigation and prepare the report. Joint investigations can also be conducted. 

II. IMPORTANCE AND RELATION TO O THER A SPECTS OF SAFETY PROGRAM 

The MMS mission is to manage OCS resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner. 

Safety of operations has always been a key element of the Federal Government's offshore 

program. Looking at the number of fatalities for the past 30 years (see graph in the Appendix, p. 

A-1 ), there is an indication that OCS operations are generally safer now than they were in the 

past. Many factors have contributed to improved safety and environmental protection over the 

years, including: the development of operating regulations, increased regulatory oversight, 

improved industry safety programs, and improved technology. 

Due to recent record lease sales in the GOM and the resulting increase in activity, especially in 

deep-water areas, increased attention has been placed on the performance of operators, including 

the occurrence of incidents. With the rise in activity, the potential for a major incident increases 

and the importance of accurate data and analytical techniques also increases. 

Accurate reporting, record-keeping, and analysis of incident information is an integral component 

of a properly functioning regulatory program and a safe OCS oil and gas industry. Incident data 

are used to identify operational trends and fluctuations from the norm. Evaluation of this 

information are then used as a benchmark to evaluate the performance of the industry. Based on 

this evaluation, areas of concern are identified and addressed through a variety of measures 

including regulatory changes or new research initiatives. 

III. ACCIDENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND INVESTIGATION POLICIES 

MMS regulations at 30 CFR 250.19 (a) specify industry accident reporting requirements. They 

require OCS lessees to notify MMS of " ... all serious accidents, any death or serious injury, and 

all fires, explosions or blowouts connected with any activities or operations on the lease." All 

spills of oil or other liquid pollutants must also be reported to MMS. These regulations also 

address the preparation of public accident reports and procedures used in conducting accident 

investigations. 
In 1992, MMS revised a basic internal policy for collecting accident data and conducting 

accident investigations. Under that policy, MMS must investigate all major accidents, and some 

minor accidents. The degree of investigation is left to the discretion of the District Supervisor. 

Major accidents are fires and explosions that result in damage of $1 million or more, liquid 

hydrocarbon spills of 200 barrels or more during a period of 30 days, or accidents involving a 

fatality or serious injury that causes substantial impairment of any bodily unit or function. 

The regions followed this policy until August 1996 when the MMS implemented a more 

stringent policy. Since that date, the MMS conducts an onsite investigation for all fires and 

explosions, all blowouts, all spills greater than 1 barrel, all accident-related fatalities, all 

collisions involving structural damage to OCS facilities, and injuries and accidents requiring 

repairs on a case-by-case basis. The degree of investigation is still left to the discretion of the 

District Supervisor. In some cases an accident investigation panel will be formed and a more 

detailed report will also be prepared. During 1995-1996, over 50 percent of all incidents had a 

completed Accident Investigation Report. 

IV. OCS ACTIVITY 1995-1996 

The Federal OCS encompasses about 1.4 billion acres. MMS has divided this area into four 

regions: Atlantic, Alaska, Gulf of Mexico (GOM), and Pacific (POCS). At the present time, 

most of the OCS activity is taking place in the GOM and POCS Regions. At the end of 1996, 

there were over 3,800 production facilities installed in the GOM. As of this same date, 23 

production facilities were installed in the POCS. To date, no production facilities have been 

installed in either the Atlantic or Alaska Regions. Also, during the period of this report ( 1995­

1996), no exploratory drilling operations occurred in the Atlantic Region. During the same 

period, two wells were spudded in the Alaska Region. No incidents were reported from the 

Atlantic and Alaska Regions during 1995- 1996. 

V. SUMMARY OFOCS INCIDENT DATA AND TRENDS 1995-1996 

This section briefly summarizes the incident data presented in the body of this report. The 

graphs referenced in this section can be found in the Appendix. 

MMS categorizes types of incidents as blowouts, collisions, explosions, fires, fatalities, injuries, 

significant pollution incidents (for spillage ~ 50 barrels), pipeline incidents, and other. In some 

cases, more than one incident type will occur during the same event on a facility. As an example, 

a fire at a facility may result in injuries to an individual or an explosion may also involve a fire. 

For the purposes of this report, each incident type is listed separately under the appropriate 

category and counted separately as one incident. 

During 1995- 1996, 285 incidents occurred on the OCS (see bar chart in the Appendix, p. A-2). 

Almost half of these incidents were fires, with 129 occurring during 1995-1996. Most of the 

fires were minor and resulted in little or no damage and no injuries. Almost one-third of the 

2 

incidents were injuries, with 88 occurring during 1995-1996. The majority of these injuries were 

minor. Both the number of fires and number of injuries recorded in TIMS doubled from 1995 to 

1996. Part of this increase may be a result of changes in GOM record-keeping requirements that 

were effective August 1996. Blowouts, explosions, fatalities, pipeline incidents, and incidents in 

the other category have also shown some increase between 1995-1996. MMS continues to 

monitor and analyze these incidents to help focus its regulatory program as needed. During 

1995-1996, there were 5 blowouts, 8 explosions, 18 fatalities, 11 pipeline events, 8 significant 

pollution events( ~ 50 bbls), and 7 incidents in the other category. There were also 11 collisions 

with OCS facilities during this period. 

Although Significant Pollution Incidents (spillage of ~ 50 barrels) and Collisions with OCS 

facilities decreased slightly between 1995-1996, MMS continues to monitor these incidents as 

well. In particular, the MMS is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to determine what can be 

done to reduce Collision incidents. 

The majority of the 1995-1996 incidents occurred during production operations. Overall, the 

main cause of all incidents in 1995 and 1996 was equipment failure followed by human error. 

As shown in the report, there are a large number of events caused by human error. Due to the 

wide scope of the term, MMS is trying to narrow the definition of this cause. 

Using the cause determinations from the initial incident reports, the primary cause of fires was 

equipment failure, followed by human error. For injuries, the primary cause was human error, 

followed by slip/trip/fall, and then by equipment failure. The primary causes of fatalities were 

human error and slip/trip/fall. Most fatalities occurred during production operations, followed by 

drilling, then well completion and welding operations. Blowouts were mainly a result of 

equipment failure and human error, occurring primarily during drilling operations followed by 

well completion activities. Explosions mainly occurred during production activities and were 

primarily caused by equipment failure and human error. Collisions with OCS facilities were 

caused primarily by human error and equipment failure. Pie charts showing the causes of these 

incident categories can be found in the Appendix of this report. 

3 

Gulf of Mexico Region 


Blowouts - 1995 


Date: 03-JAN- 1995 Operator: Agip Petroleum Company, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Exploration 

Lease: 012901 Event(s): Blowout 

Area: South Marsh Operation: Drilling 

Block: 250 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Marine XVII Water Depth: 27' 

Remarks: 	 Well #I broached to the surface after reaching total depth (T.D.) and taking a kick. During the kill 

operation, a hole developed in the surface casing that allowed the influx to broach around the 

conductor shoe. The well bridged over within a couple of days with no injuries or pollution. 

Blowouts - 1996 

Date: 24-JAN-1996 Operator: ORYX Energy Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 002327 Event(s): Blowout I Fire 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Completion 

Block: 380 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Sundowner l 5A Water Depth: 338' 

Remarks: 	 Oryx was in the process of completing the upper sand. The perforating guns were pulled from the 

well and a packer plug retrieving tool was made up to the bottom of the workstring/tubing. The 

packer plug was then pulled. A gravel pack assembly and gravel pack screen were then run in the 

well. Completion fluid started to flow out the top of the workstring/tubing as it was being worked 

in the well. The crew was not able to connect the top drive unit to the workstring/tubing. The blind 

rams were closed but the flow out the workstring/tubing did not change. Additional rams and the 

annular preventer were closed. Gas flowing out the workstring/tubing ignited. Forty-five personnel 

were evacuated from the rig by two vessels without incident. Within 2 hours after the fire ignited, 

the top drive fell to the rig floor. Shortly afterwards, the derrick toppled. The fire extinguished itself 

about midnight on January 28, 1996, and the well was killed on February 7, 1996. 

4 
Date : IO-NOV- 1996 Operator: Noreen Explorer, Inc. 

Investigation: Pending Activity: Investigation Pending 

Lease: Gl3885 Event(s): Blowout 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Investigation Pending 

Block: 216 Cause: Investigation Pending 

Rig/Platfonn: Falcon 17 Water Depth: 123' 

Remarks: 	 INVESTIGATION PENDING 

Date: 27-NOV- 1996 Operator: Tana Oil and Gas Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Exploration 

Lease: 00146 Event(s): Blowout I Explosion I Fire I Injury(3) 

Area: West Delta Operation: Completion 

Block: 58 Cause(s): Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: Marine XV Water Depth: 39' 

Remarks: 	 On November 27, 1996, at 2105 hours, 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. The SCSSV had just been opened to allow a wireline gauge run. After the gauge run, a 

wireline tool would have been used to open the isolation valve on the dual-sliding sleeve. It had been 

necessary to use the mud pumps to pressure up on top of the SCSSV to equalize 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 bum and the rig was 

evacuated. 

5 

Date: 03-DEC-1996 Operator: Amoco Production Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G05504 Event(s): Blowout 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 224 Cause: Loss of Hydrostatic 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Middletown Water Depth: 129' 

Remarks: 	 Upon removal of the grout string, a window was cut in the 20" pipe to facilitate installation of the 

13%" wellhead. Fluid was observed in the annulus. After waiting on cement for approximately 12 

hours, the 20" and 13%" casings were cut for wellhead installation. The slip-lock wellhead was then 

installed with a base plate located between the wellhead and the drive pipe. At approximately 1730 

hours on December 3, 1996, while nippling-up a 3-foot riser, an odor was noted by the personnel 

installing the riser. Within a short period of time, fluid was burping from beneath the base plate. 

Spray hoses were rigged up and directed at the wellhead. Personnel were mustered in preparation for 

evacuation. The rig was evacuated via survival craft at approximately 1900 hrs as gas began to flow 

from beneath the base plate. The well initially flowed gas; however, at first light on the morning of 

December 4, 1996, the well flow appeared to be predominately saltwater with entrained gas. The well 

continued to flow until surface flow ceased at 0630 hours on December 6, 1996. 

6 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Collisions - 1995 


Date: 21-APR-95 Operator: Texaco, Inc . 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 002241 Event(s): Collision I Pollution ( 11 .9 bbls) 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production I Motor Vessel 

Block: 643 Cause: Weather 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 375' 

Remarks: A standby boat was offloading a snubbing unit when rough seas and high winds pushed the boat into 

the platform. This resulted in a ruptured diesel tank. 

Date: 28-JUN-95 Operator: CNO Producing Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 003969 Event(s): Collision I Pollution 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 478 Cause: Vessel Struck Platform 

Rig/Platform: A (removed) Water Depth: 123' 

Remarks: 	 A ship or barge struck the southeast corner leg of the platform, which may have caused a small 

underwater leak in the departing pipeline. The aids to navigation were working before and after the 

accident. A derrick or lay barge may have caused the damage. On June 29, 1995, CNO reported that 

the pipeline was not leaking and was holding 1000 psi. 

7 

Date: l l-JUL-95 Operator: Phillips Petroleum Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02412 Event(s): Collision 

Area: High Island Operation: Other I Preloading Rig 

Block: A3 17 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 217' 

Remarks: 	 A rig was positioned on the NE comer of the platform. The bow leg had been preloaded and preload 

had been dumped. The port leg had been preloaded to about 50% when the leg penetrated about 8 

feet into the soil causing the rig to lean into the platform. There was structural damage to the 

platform. No spills or injuries occurred. 

Date: 21-JUL-95 Operator: Hall-Houston Oil Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G05322 Event(s): Collision 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Other 

Block: 421 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 105' 

Remarks: 	 A workboat was tied up for the night at the platform, waiting on daylight to begin work. The workboat 

and the platform were struck by a tug pushing a 180' notch barge. No personnel were injured, and 

no pollution was observed. The tlowline/pipeline and handrails were damaged and will need to be 

replaced. 

Date: 01 -SEP-95 Operator: Texaco Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00310 Event(s): Collision 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 229 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: 106 Water Depth: 20' 

Remarks: 	 The remote monitoring and control operator located at the platform found that the RTU signal was 

no longer being received. Personnel were dispatched to the well and found the RTU antenna bent and 

the fog horn and navigation light toppled from their welded stand. Cable scrape marks were found 

on the hand rail adjacent to where the fog horn was located. There were no boats tied to the structure, 

although many shrimp boats were in the vicinity. 

8 
Date: 03-0CT-95 Operator: Meridian Oil Inc 

Investigation: None Activity: Exploration 

Lease: GJ4200 Event(s): Collision I Pollution (89.0 bbls) 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Drilling I Motor Vessel 

Block: A371 Cause: Human Error I Weather 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Gorilla IV Water Depth: 430' 

Remarks: 	 A weather change caused the motor vessel to drift into the port leg of the drilling rig resulting in 

punctures to the saddle tank of the boat and the release of approximately 3,722 gallons of diesel fuel. 

Due to rough weather and sea conditions, no attempt was made by the boat company to recover the 

spilled fuel. There was no damage to the drilling rig, and the boat returned safely to shore. 

Collisions - 1996 

Date: 07-JUL-96 Operator: Union Oil Company of California 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00206 Event(s): Collision 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Other I Offloading 

Block: 39 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: I Water Depth: 27' 

Remarks: 	 Two workers were using a crane to off-load materials onto an unmanned structure. Once off-loading 

operations were completed, the crane was left parallel to the platform heliport. When the assigned 

helicopter approached the heliport, the pilot maneuvered the tail boom of the aircraft in a direction 

towards the crane boom. The aircraft tail rotor blades struck the crane boom and 3 inches of the blade 

broke off from each end of the tail rotor blades. 

9 
Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platform: 

20-SEP-96 

Complete 

00310 

South Marsh Island 

236 

#160 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Texaco Exploration and Production Inc. 

Development 

Collision I Explosion I Fire 

Production 

Boat Collision 

14' 

Remarks: 	 A steel hull shrimp trawler collided with a single satellite well resulting in an explosion and fire. All 

personnel abandoned the vessel and were rescued. All safety devices operated properly and closed 

off flow from the wells. GIL gas was shut in at the production facility. The fire was extinguished 

with the fire water system aboard the rescue vessel. The collision and subsequent explosion and fire 

resulted in severe damage to the satellite well. No injuries or pollution were reported 

Date: 29-SEP-96 Operator: Enserch Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 007486 Event(s): Collision I Pollution ( I 04.8 bbls) 

Area: Grand Banks Operation: Drilling I Motor Vessel 

Block: 388 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Enserch Cooper/ A Water Depth: 2097' 

Remarks: 	 A 166-ft workboat was tied up to the facility and came in contact with the CSC-4 column three times 

before it could be released. The captain reported that he had a hole in his fuel tank and was losing 

fuel and taking on water. An assistance call was placed to the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessel 

sustained structural damage along the starboard side and a hole in the diesel fuel day tank. The rig 

received structural damage to the CSC-4 column. The fuel loss was approximately 4,400 gal. 

Date: 14-0CT-96 Operator: Enserch Exploration, Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G07485 Event(s): Collision I Poll ution (23.8 bbls) 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Drilling I Motor Vessel 

Block: 387 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Diamond Voyager Water Depth: 2081' 

Remarks: 	 A 166-ft supply workboat lost air pressure to its vessel controls resulting in loss of maneuverability. 

The vessel drifted into the floati ng drilling rig, sustaining a hole in the diesel fuel tank. A total of 

1,000 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled. The rig sustained a 4x20 inch indentation to a column, which 

was determined to be cosmetic only. 

10 
Date: 06-DEC-96 Operator: Newfield ExploraLion Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G03577 Event(s): Collision 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Production 

Block: 69 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: #10 Water Depth: 26' 

Remarks: 	 A marine vessel struck a caisson at 0400 hours on Dec 6, 1996. Some damage was sustained by the 

caisson, however, the boat was able to depart the scene under its own power. The caisson was 

flowing but was shut in after the accident. No pollution occurred. 

11 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Explosions - 1996 

(There were no explosions in 1995) 

Date: 05-JAN-96 Operator: DelMar Operating, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00437 Event(s): Explosion I Fire I Injury ( I) 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 199 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A-QR TS Water Depth: IOI ' 

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 inj uries to the eyes and face and ringing in the ears. 

Date: I 5-FEB- 1996 Operator: TOT AL Minatome Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Acti vity: Development 

Lease: G03135 Event(s): Explosion I Injury (I) 

Area: Vermill ion Operation: Production 

Block: 267 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: F Water Depth: 165' 

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 I 2Vdc/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. 

12 
Date: 2 1-MAY­ 1996 Operator: PANACO, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: Louisiana State Lease 979 Event(s): Explosion I Fire I Injury (3) 

Area: West Delta Operation: Storage Tank Cleaning 

Block: 54 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: State Lease 979 Water Depth: 9' 

Remarks: 	 [NOTE: The accident occurred o n State Lease 979, West Delta, Block 54. This facility is located in 

State waters; however, OCS oil is processed into Tank No. I giving MMS autho rity to investigate.] 

Workers were preparing to clean storage tanks on the platform. Two workers in a tank were handed 

a, supposedly, secured steam cleaning sprayer nozzle. The explosion occurred when the cleaning unit 

was started. The safety representative grabbed an extinguisher but the unit failed to discharge 

chemical into the tank. All personnel were evacuated. Only one fire monitor was activated due to 

the fire pump malfunctio ning. The fire was extinguished using the fire monitor and water spray from 

the life boat. There were three minor injuries as a result of the accident. 

Date: 09-JUL-1996 Operator: No reen Explorer, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl520 Event(s): Explosio n I Fire 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Drilling I Production 

Block: 204 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 105' 

Remarks: 	 An explosion was heard and smoke was no ticed 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 flexhose 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 probabl y caused a spark. 

13 
Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platfonn: 

20-SEP-1996 

Complete 

00130 

South Marsh 

236 

160 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc. 

Development 

Explosion I Collision I Fire 

Production 

Boat Collision 

21' 

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 now. GIL 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. 

Date: 21-SEP-1996 Operator: Enron Oil & Gas Company 

Investigation: Pending Activity: Investigation Pending 

Lease: G08151 Event(s): Explosion I Fire I Injury (3) 

Area: High Island Operation: Investigation Pending 

Block: 207 Cause: Investigation Pending 

Rig/Platfonn: 207 Water Depth: 53' 

Remarks: INVESTIGATION PENDING 

Date: 27-NOV-1996 Operator: Tana Oil and Gas Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Exploration 

Lease: 00146 Event(s): Blowout I Explosion I Fire I Injury(3) 

Area: West Delta Operation: Completion 

Block: 58 Cause(s): Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: Marine XV Water Depth: 39' 

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 comp!etion 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. 

14 
Date: 07-DEC- 1996 Operator: W & T Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G04228 Event(s): Explosion I Fatality ( I) I Inj ury ( I) 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: P&A 

Block: 133 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Gulf Island IV I #4(Removed) Water Depth: 37' 

Remarks: Residual Gas in flowline or well. 

15 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Fires - 1995 


Date: 04-JAN- 1995 Operator: British-Borneo Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GI0605 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 2 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 28' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred due to a backdraft in the line heater stack and fire box caused by the vibration of an 

air mixer vent. The fire activated a temperature safety element (TSE) and the platform was shut-in. 

The fire was fueled by exhausting fuel supply gas in the system upon activation of the TSE. The fire 

burned itself out after the platform shut-in. 

Date: 10-FEB- 1995 Operator: Anadarko Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02754 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Production 

Block: 376 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 340' 

Remarks: 	 The cause of the fire was a ruptured fuel injection line that sprayed fuel on the exhaust system of the 

diesel generator. The fire detection system operated as designed, and the fire was extinguished via 

a Halon discharge. There were no injuries or pollution as a result of this incident. 

16 
Date: 13-FEB- 1995 Operator: ORYX Energy Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl 3808 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A379 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: B W ater Depth: 360' 

Remarks: 	 A small fire occurred when a hammer union on the fuel gas line to the glycol reboiler developed a 

leak. The fire was immediately put out by platfonn personnel with a 30# dry chemical extinguisher. 

Insulation on the fire tube flange had been loosened lo work on the reboiler's ignitor. The unio n and 

the insulation on the fire tube flange were tightened to prevent this incident from reoccurring. There 

were no injuries and no damage. 

Date: 2 1-FEB­ 1995 Operator: Coastal Oil & Gas Corporation 

Investigation : Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G042 13 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Verrni Ilion Operation: Re-pipi ng level controller o n HP separator 

Block: 289 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 192' 

Remarks: 	 Contractors on the platfonn were in the process of removing a level bridle from the high-pressure 

separator by using an electric band saw, which was not explosion proof. As the crew cul through the 

bridle, condensate dropped into the electric motor, resulting in a flash fire. The construction crew 

used eight (8) 30# dry chemical units and a fire boss unit to extinguish the fire. 

Date: 15-MAR­ 1995 Operator: Union Oil Company of California 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00205 Event(s): Fire I Pollution (.24 bbls) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Other I Returning production after shut-in 

Block: 38 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: E Water Depth : 36' 

Remarks: 	 The platfonn operator was returning the platfonn to production after a total shut-in. All incoming 

pipelines were opened to production apparently too fast causing a surge and carryover of oil that had 

accumulated in the low-pressure separator and carried over lo the flare scrubber. Oil that carried over 

and o ut the vent boom was blown back o nto the platfonn and came in contact with the compressor 

turbo charger. The turbo charger temperature was in excess of 900 degrees and a flash fire resulted. 

An additio nal 5 to I 0 gallo ns of oil was discharged into the offsho re waters as a reuslt of the same 

carryover through the flare scrubber and out the vent boom. 

17 
Date: l 5-MAR-1995 Operator: Mobil Exploration & Producing NA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02393 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A573 Cause: Weather 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 336' 

Remarks: 	 During a thunderstorm, lightning struck the platform and ignited the flare boom. Workers also 

noticed a fi re on the top deck. The fires were extinguished using dry chemical extinguishers and 

water. 

Date: 19-MAR-1995 Operator: Conoco, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G01673 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 296 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: c Water Depth: 220' 

Remarks: 	 The muffler on an engine caught fire possibly due to an internal build-up of oil in the engine. The 

fire lasted approximately 30 seconds and was extinguished using water and a 30# dry chemical 

extinguisher. 

Date: 20-MAR-1995 Operator: Amoco Production Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G05504 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 224 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 140' 

Remarks: 	 A welder was cutting welds on a small building located on the top deck of the platform. Welding slag 

fell through the grating to the bottom deck igniting natural gas leaking from a relay in the safety 

system panel. The fire was immediately extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher. The firewatch 

remained in the area 30 minutes after cutting operations ceased. Hours later the operators were 

awakened by a popping sound followed by the platform shut-in alarm. The safety system panel was 

again on fire. They sounded the fire alarm, extinguished the fire, then repairs were made. The 

ignition source was unable to be determined. 

18 
Date: 14-APR­ 1995 Operator: Gulfstream Resources, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00806 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 206 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: JOO' 

Remarks: 	 The level controller failed to open the dump valve on the heater treater. Oil was carried over the Peco 

filter, which also failed to operate. The liquid hydrocarbons were carried to the main burner and 

accumulated in the name arrestor, which developed a leak and caught fire. The platfonn was shut-in. 

The fire lasted 5 minutes and was extinguished with dry chemical. 

Date: I 8-APR­ 1995 Operator: Marathon Oil Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02572 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vennillion Operation: Other I Welding Operations 

Block: 33 1 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 2 15' 

Remarks: 	 A welder was removing old angle iron and piping near the chem-electric treater drain pan. The hoses 

for the oxygen-acetylene cutting torch accidently opened a In" ball valve on the chem- electric dump 

line, draining approximately I quart of water and oil to the drain pan. Slag from the torch cutting 

operation ignited the oil. The firewatch immediately extinguished the fire with a 30# dry chemical 

extinguisher. There was no damage. 

Date: 05-MAY- 1995 Operator: Pennzoil Exploration & Production Co. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development I Production 

Lease: G l 2355 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Workover I Welding Operations 

Block: 198 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: J-Drill Water Depth: 100' 

Remarks: 	 A welder was welding the living quarter's stairway. Slag from the welding operations entered the 

master panel through a partially opened door on the back of the panel. A faulty latch assembly was 

the cause of the door being partially opened. The hot slag from the welding operation melted the 

poly-no tubing inside the master panel and ignited the gas released from the tubing. 

19 
Date: 09-MAY-1995 Operator: Mobil Producing TX & NM, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02721 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A595 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: D Water Depth: 395' 

Remarks: A heater was being brought on line. The expansion joint had oil in it that ignited when it came into 

contact with hot exhaust gases. The fire was put out and there was no damage. 

Date: 17-MAY-1995 Operator: Marathon Oil Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02061 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 321 Cause : Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 220' 

Remarks: 	 A contractor representative informed the company electrician that he observed an electrical wire 

arcing over the floatation cell. The electrician turned off the corresponding circuit breaker. In the act 

of confirming that the power was off, the wiring arced and caused a small flash fire lasting for a 

period of 2 to 3 seconds. No injuries or property damage occurred. 

Date: 29-MA Y-1995 Operator: Vastar Resources, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl3608 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 50 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Glomar High Island VIII Water Depth: 102' 

Remarks: 	 The oil lubrication line for the turbo-charger came apart from the brazed flange on top of the 

turbo-charger. This in tum caused lube oil to be sprayed onto the turbo-charger. The temperature of 

the turbo-charger was sufficient to ignite the oil spray. The motorman and derrickman saw the top 

of the turbo-charger smoldering and used portable fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire. 

20 
Date: 01-JUN-1995 Operator: Samedan Oil Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G09478 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Workover I Torch cutting operation 

Block: 332 Cause: Inadequate equipment design 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 250' 

Remarks: 	 Flash gas was being continuously vented through thief hatches of oil tanks. Some of the gas collected 

under the solid top deck and migrated through the decking and ignited from a welder's cutting torch. 

Ignition caused a flash fire . 

Date: 09-JUN-1995 Operator: Marathon Oil Company 

Investigation Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02061 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 32 1 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 220' 

Remarks: 	 A mechanic was in the process of changing the crane diesel fuel filters. The mechanic set a 2.5 gallon 

container of diesel fue l down near the crane engi ne. The mechanic proceeded to locate tools in the 

mechanic shop and upon returning, realized that the container had spilled over onto the No.3 

compressor exhaust located on a lower deck. The fire was extinguished immediately with the fire 

water system. 

Date: IO-JUN-1995 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

In vesligation Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02316 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 288 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: I-CA Water Depth: 40' 

Remarks: 	 Saturated triethylene glycol boiled over and out of the glycol reboiler and seeped between the 

insulation blanket and the hot external shell of the glycol reboiler. Platform operators immediately 

used two 30# fire extinguishers to control the fire. Fire water was used to cool the external area of 

fire tube where the incident occurred. 

2 1 
Date: 26-JUN-1995 Operator: Vastar Resources, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G05359 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 60 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 50' 

Remarks: 	 A small smoldering fire occurred in the diesel generator exhaust insulation and muffler. A worker 

smelled something burning as he walked past the diesel generator. Investigation revealed that the 

insulation blanket material for the diesel generator's muffler was on fire . Unburned diesel fuel had 

accumulated in the insulation blanket of the diesel generator exhaust and was ignited by the exhaust 

muffler. 

Date: 26-JUN-1995 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corp. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G00787 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Other I Welding Operations 

Block: 49 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 98' 

Remarks: 	 A welder was measuring pipe, which he was planning to cut later with a torch, when he heard a small 

explosion and turned to see the bottom of an acetylene bottle burning. He notified the platform 

production personnel of the situation and assisted in fighting the fire. 

Date: 29-JUN-1995 Operator: Zikha Energy Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GI0638 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 328 Cause: Weather 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 243' 

Remarks: A lightning strike caused a malfunction in the system 3 alarm panel and No. 1 generator resulting in 

a small fire, which was extinguished by the platform operator. 

22 
Date: 04-JUL-1995 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Acti vity: Development 

Lease: G0 11 96 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 6 1 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Noble John Sandifer Water Depth: 120' 

Remarks: 	 A smoldering fire occurred between the generator control panel and the No.2 generator located on 

the drilling rig. Wires leading to the No.2 generator panel became overheated due to loose 

connections. Overheating of the wires melted the insulation and caused smoke to accumulate on the 

SCR and engine room. The fire alarm sounded and the fire team responded. The generator was shut 

down, eliminating the overheating source, and the fire team confirmed that there were no additional 

ignition sources. 

Date: 16-JUL- 1995 Operator: Phillips Petroleum Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease : G0241 2 Event(s): Fire 

Arca: High Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: A317 Cause: Unknown 

Rig/Platform: A Ensco 98 Water Depth: 217' 

Remarks: 	 Smoke was observed coming out of the end of the diesel powered generator. The unit was not 

running at the time. Water was applied to the unit to cool off the diesel tank. The side covers on the 

unit were removed to allow access to the interior of the unit for better cooling and extinguishing of 

the fire. C0 2 and dry chemical extinguishers were utilized in putting the fire out. There was no 

damage to the rig, but the platform was shut in at the time of the fire. 

23 
Date: 19-JUL-1995 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 002076 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Other - Sandblasling I Painting 

Block: 214 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 127' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred inside the exhaust chamber of the No. I turbine generator. A worker observed the fire 

coming out of the exhaust chamber of the No. I turbine generator when he entered the 

compressor-generator building to check the compressor temperature. He called for assistance and a 

30# extinguisher. Personnel were alerted and the platform was shut in with the ESD system. The fire 

was fought for 50 minutes before il was extinguished. The fire was being fueled by a leaking rear 

bearing lube oil supply line. 

Date: 25-A UG-1995 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02050 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Other - Preparing to sandblast platform 

Block: 281 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 175' 

Remarks: 	 A small smoldering fire occurred on the generator exhaust system located on the platform. A service 

company was preparing to sandblast the platform, and canvas tarps had been hung to protect 

production equipment and generators from the sand. A storm front passed through the area, and 

sections of the canvas tarps were blown onto the generator exhaust system. The exhaust system and 

heat caused the tarps to ignite. The platform was shut in by the ESD system and the fire was 

extinguished. 

24 
Date: 05-SEP-1995 Operator: Forest Oil Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 003393 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 102 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 60' 

Remarks: 	 Personnel were attempting to light the reboiler vessel. Due to consistent west wind conditions, 

personnel could not light the rag that was to be used to ignite the burner. Personnel then proceeded 

to the east side of the platform and lit the rag; and, as they were walking past the production panel 

toward the reboiler, bleeding gas from the panel ignited. Personnel unlatched the panel door and a 

30# dry chemical fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the fire. 

Date: 07-SEP-1995 Operator: Exxon Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 004704 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Other - welding 

Block: 696 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 77' 

Remarks: A welder had just completed a weld on an out of service deluge system pipe support when his welding 

rod holder touched the 3

/ 8" SS line, arc'd, and caused a flash fire. The fire went out on its own. 

Date: 08-SEP- 1995 Operator: Noreen Explorer, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00 1523 Event(s): Fire I Inj ury (I) 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Production 

Block: 207 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 100' 

Remarks: 	 A worker responded to an alarm on the compressor platform. Upon arrival, the worker heard a 

blowing sound. The gas detector had tripped. Upon investigation, he found gas blowing from the 

No. 6 cylinder on the TVS compressor. The gas ignited giving the worker first degree burns on his 

hands, ears, and face. The emergency shut-down device was tripped to shut down all operations. The 

fire alarm was activated. The main fire was extinguished within 5 minutes with dry chemical, C02, 

and water. Smaller fires were extinguished and the area secured within 45 minutes. 

25 
Date: l 2-Sep-1995 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G09500 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vennillion Operation: Completion 

Block: 200 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 110' 

Remarks: 	 A small fire occurred at the manifold and exhaust piping for the compressor located on the platform. 

The engine crankcase oil entered the intake manifold, went through the engine cylinders, and out the 

cylinder exhaust. Oil escaped at a loose joint in the exhaust piping elbow and expansion joint and 

was ignited. The flames were not more than an inch high and were extinguished with a 30# hand held 

dry chemical extinguisher. 

Date: 20-0CT-1995 Operator: Mobil Oil Exp. & Prod. SE, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl366 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Other - welding 

Block: 92 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 40' 

Remarks: 	 A small fire occurred when slag from a welder's torch fell onto a 112" stainless steel line. The slag 

burned a hole in the 1/2" line which ignited the gas in the line. The fire was immediately extinguished 

using a 30# hand held dry chemical extinguisher. The supply to this line was closed, therefore, the 

only damage was to the line itself. There were no injuries. 

Date: 05-NOV-1995 Operator: Midcon Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02885 Event(s): Fire I Injury( I) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Other - Welding 

Block: 14 1 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 247' 

Remarks: 	 A flash fire occurred on the test separator while rusted bolts were being removed on the 

condensate/oil discharge line. A welder's cutting torch was being used to remove the bolts when 

trapped condensate was released causing a flash fire. The cutting operator suffered I st, 2nd, and 3rd 

degree bums. All operations were immediately shut down, and first aid was administered to the 

injured operator. 

26 
Date: 09-NOY-1995 Operator: Apache Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02951 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 151 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 174' 

Remarks: 	 The night production operator noticed a pipeline pump engulfed in flames, which were spreading into 

the wellbay. The TSE located above the pump burned out and activated the ESD system. The general 

alann was sounded to alert all personnel. The firefighting deluge system was activated by the ESD. 

After about 5 minutes the fire was extinguished using the fire pump water and a 30# extinguisher. 

Date: I 2-NOY-1995 Operator: Marathon Oil Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02278 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Other - Welding 

Block: 386 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: B Water Depth: 324' 

Remarks: 	 A small fire occurred while modifications were being made to the sump tank. The work area was 

inspected and sniffed for gas leaks before work was started. The top of the sump tank and the pump 

suction pipe were removed and laid over piping directly above the flowline 1/2" bleed line open end. 

Hot slag fell near this opened end and ignited a small gas leak. The firewatch extinguished the small 

fire with a 30# extinguisher. There were no injuries, damage, or pollution. 

Date: 22-NOV-1995 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development I Production 

Lease: G01146 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vermillion Operation: 01her - Welding 

Block: 245 Cause: Equipmenl Failure 

Rig/Platform: c Water Depth: 124' 

Remarks: 	 Piping removal was being done with torches at a location upwind and adjacent to acetylene bottles. 

During a break, the torches were placed on the deck in the burning area and on top of the acetylene 

bottles. After the break, the construction crew observed fire coming from the top of one of the 

bottles, and then they began exploding. The fire was repeatedly extinguished with dry chemicals but 

reignited. The fire was extinguished by lowering the bottle rack into the Gulf with a crane. 

27 
Date: 27-NOY-1995 Operator: Conoco, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GOOl29 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Grand Isle Operation: Production 

Block: 41 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 90' 

Remarks: A fire occurred as a construction worker was installing a high-pressure separator, and welder's slag 

ignited a leaking flange. This was quickly extinguished using a 30# dry chemical extinguisher. 

Date: 01-DEC-1995 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease : GOI294 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 62 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A(Row) Water Depth: 340' 

Remarks: A fire occurred when crude oil contaminated fuel gas ignited in the exhaust muffler. This was quickly 

extinguished using a 30# dry chemical extinguisher. There was no property damage. 

Date: 02-DEC-1995 Operator: Conoco, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GOOl28 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Grand Island Operation: Production 

Block: 40 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: F Water Depth: 86' 

Remarks: A fire occurred when the main control feed valve failed spraying gas near hot exhaust from the 

compressor engine. The fire was quickly extinguished using a 30# dry chemical exti nguisher. 

28 
Date: 13-DEC-I 995 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOI034 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Production 

Block: 266 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 180' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred on the platform when a hole developed in the prover loop, spraying oil onto the 

pipeline shipping pump, which ignited. The platform shutdown system activated immediately and the 

fire was extinguished with dry chemical and firewater. Some production equipment was damaged. 

Date: 17-DEC-1995 Operator: Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02388 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A563 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 305' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred when a pin hole developed in a collar of the LSH on the glycol reboiler. The glycol 

unit was shut down and the fire was extinguished with water. The glycol unit remained out of service 

pending an inspection by a service technician. There were no injuries or pollution, and damage was 

restricted to a small amount of insulation. 

Date: 20-DEC-1995 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl 146 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 245 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: c Water Depth: 124' 

Remarks: Gas escaped from a cracked PSV on the high-pressure discharge cylinder upstream of the cooler and 

ignited. The fire was extinguished using chemical extinguishers and potable water. 

29 
Date: 25-DEC-1995 Operator: Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02937 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 109 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 184' 

Remarks: A fire occurred when a day tank overfilled causing diesel to spill over onto the VRU compressor. The 

fire was quickly extinguished using water and dry chemical. 

Date: 30-DEC-1995 Operator: Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02719 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: A582 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: c Water Depth: 327' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred on the shell of the glycol reboiler. The reboilcr had just been placed back into service 

followi ng repair of a hole at the base of the still column. It is believed that distillate from the hole 

was present and soaked into the insulation. When the temperature of the reboiler was elevated, the 

condensate ignited. Insulation was replaced and the unit put back in service. No injuries or pollution 

occurred, and damage was restricted to a small amount of insulation. 

30 
Fires - 1996 


Date: 02-JAN-96 Operator: Enserch Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G-07486 Event(s): Fire I Pollution (2.0 bbls) 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Drilling 

Block: 388 Cause: Equipment Failure I Weather 

Rig/Platfonn: Enserch Cooper I A (Cooper) Water Depth: 2097' 

Remarks: 	 While tripping the drill string out of the hole, the block motion compensator fluid fill hose snagged 

on the traveling block guide rail and parted the flu id fi ll hose, two air hoses, and the control line for 

the Olmsted valves on the motion compensator. Approximately two barrels of fluid were released 

from the hose. The wind sprayed fluid onto the flash gas compressor exhaust system and manifold 

piping in two uninsulated surfaces resulting in ignition and a flash fire. The drill floor was secured, 

and production was shut in by manuaJ activation of the ESD system. The fire was extinguished 

within minutes, and no injuries resulted from this incident. 

Date: 03-JAN­ 1996 Operator: Entre Energy Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05740 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Chandeleur Operation: Production 

Block: 29 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 40' 

Remarks: A fire occurred when glycol from the glycol reboiler leaked onto the insulation. The fire was 

extinguished using a 30# dry chemicaJ extinguisher. 

3 1 
Date: 05-JAN-1996 Operator: DelMar Operating, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G00437 Event(s): Fire I Injury(!) 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 199 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A-QRTS Water Depth: I 01' 

Remarks: 	 The platform operator was warming up (idling) the gas compressor engine when the final discharge 

piping exploded causing a small flash fire . The flash fire extinguished itself immediately. One 

operator was passing near the compressor piping when the explosion occurred, resulting in minor 

injuries to his eyes and face and ringing in the ears. 

Date: 1l-JAN-1996 Operator: Conoco, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G00175 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Grand Isle Operation: Production 

Block: 43 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: AA-QRTS AQ#1 Water Depth: 110' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred when glycol soaked insulation began to smolder. The insulation became soaked due 

to a leaking flange on the glycol reboiler. The small flame was extinguished using a 30# dry chemical 

extinguisher. 

Date: I8-JAN-1996 Operator: ORYX Energy Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G04268 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 648 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 395' 

Remarks: The oil line on a diesel generator broke, and motor oil blew onto the exhaust pipe. The fire was 

extinguished with a handhcld extinguisher. There was no damage. 

32 
Date: 24-JAN­ 1996 Operator: ORYX Energy Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02327 Event(s): Fire I Blowout 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Completion 

Block: 380 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Sundowner 15A Water Depth: 338' 

Remarks: 	 Oryx was in the process of completing the upper sand. The perforating guns were pulled from the 

well and a packer plug retrievi ng tool was made up to the bottom of the workstring/tubing. The 

packer plug was then pulled. A gravel pack assembly and gravel pack screen were then run in the 

well. Completion fluid started to flow out the top of the workstring/tubing as it was being worked 

in the well. The crew was not able to connect the top drive unit to the workstring/tubing. The blind 

rams were closed but the flow out the workstring/tubing did not change. Additional rams and the 

annular preventer were closed. Gas flowing out the workstring/tubing ignited. Forty-five personnel 

were evacuated from the rig by two vessels without incident. Within 2 hours after the fire ignited, 

the top drive fell to the rig floor. Shortly afterwards, the derrick toppled. The fire extinguished itself 

about midnight on January 28, 1996, and the well was killed on February 7, 1996. 

Date: 27-JAN- 1996 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease : GOl 146 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 245 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: c Water Depth: 124' 

Remarks: 	 An operations specialist observed a small flame on No. I generator exhaust and manually activated 

the ESD system to shut in the platfonn. The fire was extinguished using carbon dioxide 

extinguishers. No injuries or pollution resulted from this incident. The activated ESD system 

operated properly and shut in the platfonn. Cracks in the exhaust piping and flanges resulted in an 

exhaust residue build-up between the generator exhaust piping and the generator insulation blanket. 

33 
Date: 04-FEB-1996 Operator: Phillips Oil Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02372 Event(s): Fire I Pollution (.7 bbls) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: 489 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 250' 

Remarks: Upset in the flare scrubber resulted in oil being spilled onto a compressor and starting a fire. The fire 

was put out quickly. 

Date: 02-MAR-1996 Operator: Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02388 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A563 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 305' 

Remarks: 	 An investigation team was inspecting a compressor, which they shut down and closed the suction and 

discharge manual block valves. There was a slight amount of gas escaping through the valves, which 

ignited causing a flash fire. The ESD was initiated and a 125# dry chemical unit was used to 

extinguish the fire. 

Date: 04-MAR-1996 Operator: Exxon Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G03091 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 632 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Ensco 90 I A Water Depth: 69' 

Remarks: 	 The #1 generator was being put back in service when the generator panel shorted out, resulting in a 

fire. The fire was quickly extinguished using a 20# C02 extinguisher. Fire damages include 

replacement of the generator and associated wiring. 

34 
Dale: 08-MAR-1996 Operator: Conoco, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Developmenl 

Lease: 003289 Evenl(s): Fire 

Area: Easl Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 57 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: JB Water Depth: 52' 

Remarks: 	 A pipeline riser rupture and flash fire occurred on the 6-in departing bulk gas pipeline. Analysis of 

the pipe determined thal the failure was due to tensile overload consistent with creep failure. Failure 

was due lo gradual thinning of the pipe wall from corrosion due to breaches in the pipe coating. Fire 

damage was limited to a charred floatation life ring and a charred section of the CLX electrical cable. 

The PSL sensor actuated and isolated the JB-3 well and shut off flow. 

Date: l l -MAR-1996 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G04131 Event(s): Fire I Pollution (.3 bbls) 

Area: GC Operation: Production 

Block: 19 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 750' 

Remarks: 	 The Glycol conlaclor, which dumps to the glycol still column, received oil from the gas outlet of the 

high-pressure separator. The oil in the still column wenl out the vent, which is localed above No. 1 

and No. 2 generator exhaust, the probable ignition sources. The fire tripped lhe platform fusible plug 

system, shulling in all production and closing all pipeline shut-down valves. The fusible plug system 

shut-in the generator, therefore, the electrically powered firewater system would nol work. The fire 

was extinguished using dry chemical. 

35 
Date: 09-APR­ 1996 Operator: Conoco, Inc. 

In vestigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GOO I28 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Other - Production 

Block: 70 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platforrn: A Water Depth: 130' 

Remarks: The operator was removing the orifice plate when gas from the meter migrated into the insulation of 

the compressor engine exhaust. The gas ignited blistering paint on the piping and engine. 

Date: I l -APR-1996 Operator: Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02384 Eveni(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A555 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platforrn: A Water Depth: 260' 

Remarks: 	 Flames 3-4' high were discovered coming from the glycol regenerator filler cap area. After closing 

the fuel valve to the firetube burner, the fire was fully extinguished after a few refl ashes. The 

platforrn was shut in, and the insulation around Lhe filler cap area was cooled with water. There was 

no significant damage. 

Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Pl atform: 

I l-APR­ 1996 

None 

G02421 

Matagorda Island 

330 

A 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Phillips Petroleum Company 

Development 

Fire 

Production 

Equipment Failure 

265' 

Remarks: 	 During a platforrn check, a 2-ft flame emitting from the Glycol reboiler was observed. The reboiler 

and the platforrn were shut in and Lhe alann was sounded. A hand-held 30# fire extinguisher was used 

to extinguish the flames, and fire water was utilized to cool down the unit. The reboiler had 

previously been shut down for repairs and repiping. The unit was then placed back into operation. 

An investigation revealed that the insulation was saturated with condensate, apparently when Lhe 

release valve activated. 

38 
Date: I 3-APR-1996 Operator: Texaco Exploration & Production Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02388 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: A 563 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Fort Worth I B Water Depth: 305' 

Remarks: 	 The fire was a result of oil-based mud spurting out of the stand pipe and falling on the compressor 

exhaust pipe and momentarily igniting. It seems the hole caved in and when the rig crew removed 

the swivel from the stand pipe, the oil-ba<;ed mud spurted out. The fire was a momentary flash, which 

extinguished itself. The swivel was immediately put back on the stand pipe. There was no pollution, 

no injuries, and no damage as a result o f the incident. 

Date: 23-APR-1996 Operator: OXY USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02888 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Operation: Production 

Block: 174 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 3 17' 

Remarks: 	 During lube oil fill operations of the low-pressure gas compressor day tank, the platform mechanic 

became involved in other activitie~ and left the fill pump running unattended. The tank overflowed 

allowing lube oil spray to come in contact with the compressor exhaust system, resulting in a fire. 

The fire was immediately extinguished with an insulated blanket leaving little damage. 

Date: 30-APR­ 1996 Operator: NCX Company, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02724 Event(s): Fire I Fatality ( I ) 

Area: High Island Operation: Other - Welding 

Block: A 270 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 164' 

Remarks: 	 Slag and sparks were falling as a result of welders cutting and replacing the grating on the sump deck. 

The gas powered wash-down pump was turned on to wet the tarps over the sump tank. The 

Wa!>h-down pump stroked several tunes fast, venting gas, which was ignited from the slag and sparks. 

Trying to get a better view of the fire. the welding supervisor stepped through the open hole in the 

grating, fell 30-ft , hit the handrail, and fell into the Gulf waters. The structure was shut-in by 

activating the ESD Station. The fire was quickJy extinguished with a dry chemical extinguisher. The 

welding supervisor suffered fatal internal injuries. 

39 
Date: 2 l -SEP- 1996 Operator: Enron Oil & Gas Company

Investigation: Pending Activity: Investigation Pending 

Lease: G08151 Event{s): Fire I Explosion I Injury (3) 

Area: High Island Operation: Investigation Pending 

Block: 207 Cause: Investigation Pending 

Rig/Platfonn: 207 Water Depth: 53'

Remarks: INVESTIGATION PENDING. 

Date: 30-SEP-1996 Operator: Texaco Exploration and Production, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G00974 Event(s): Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 278 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: c Water Depth: 177' 

Remarks: 	 The platfonn operator switched from the No. 2 generator to the No. 1 generator. A loud knock began 

in the No. I generator engine about 2 minutes after the switch. Before the engine could be shut down, 

the connecting rod on the No. 4 cylinder broke through the engine resulting in the loss of crankcase 

oil and then ignition. The fire was immediately extinguished with one 30# chemical unit. There were 

no injuries or pollution reported or observed. 

Date: 30-SEP-1996 Operator: SONAT Exploration Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02038 Event(s): Fire I Injury ( I ) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Workover I Cutting Tank 

Block: 231 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth : 120' 

Remarks: 	 The wireline operator was in the process of swabbing fluid (water and condensate) into a swab tank 

through a 2-in flexible rubber/plastic hose that was placed in the open hatch and secured with rope. 

The platfonn operator was monitoring fluid returns; and, as he opened the swab tank hatch, a flash 

fire occurred. The operator's shirt caught fire, and he ran from the swab tank, which remained on fire. 

Another platfonn operator extinguished the swab tank fire using two 20# chemical extinguishers. The 

injured operator sustai ned serious bums to his face, head, neck, and hands. He was treated onsite 

with bum packs and brought to the hospital. 

50 
Date: 02-0CT-1996 Operator: Conoco Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G00839 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 94 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: G Water Depth: 153' 

Remarks: When the compressor was started, the gas- operated prelub pump flashed. The length of the fire was 

10 seconds. 

Date: 03-0CT- 1996 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00392 Event(s): Fire I Pollution (trace) 

Area: Grand Isle Operation: Production 

Block: 37 Cause: Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platform: R Water Depth: 50' 

Remarks: Crude oil was being flushed from the glycol unit when a needle valve was left open spraying oil onto 

the exhaust of the compressor below. The length of the fire was 1 minute. 

Date: 03-0CT-1996 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00392 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Grand Isle Operation : Production 

Block: 37 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: y Water Depth: 50' 

Remarks: 	 Waterflood system shut down causing the source well bypass valve to open. Water, which contained 

gas, was diverted overboard. The hot slag from welding ignited gas at the water's surface. This fire 

lasted 15 seconds. 

51 
Date: 05-0CT-1996 Operator: Mobil Exploration & Producing NA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02947 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 73 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 141' 

Remarks: A Glycol reboiler caught on fire when the glycol seeped into the holes in the tin that covers the 

insulation. The length of the fire was 2 minutes. 

Date: I l-OCT-1996 Operator: Texaco Exploration and Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02388 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A563 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 305' 

Remarks: 	 A small fire developed on the #3 compressor turbo-charger which was immediately shut in. The fire 

was minimal, encompassing only a small section of the insulation blanket. It's suspected the turbo 

gasket/seal leaked oil and saturated the insulation blanket, which ignited. The Production Specialist 

extinguished the fire with a 30# extinguisher. The duration was less than 5 minutes. 

Date: I 8-0CT-1996 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G00385 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 29 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 39' 

Remarks: Compressor fire 

52 
Date: l 9-0CT­ 1996 Operator: Union Oil Company of California 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05754 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Mobile Operation: Production 

Block: 9 17 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 52' 

Remarks: While conducting operations, an ice plug was blown from the Oowline. The ice plug hit an electric 

wire on the choke and arc'd resulting in a small flash fire. 

Date: 20-0CT- 1996 Operator: Texaco Exploration and Production, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02353 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: 11 0 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 40' 

Remarks: 	 A small electrical fire occurred on the production platform generator. The preliminary investigation 

indicates the main leads coming off the generator vibrated against the air filter housing causing an arc 

and small fire. Apparently, the fire burned itself out and scorched only the area next to the main leads 

and the air filter housing. The heat caused the fusible plug in the generator room to actuate an ESD 

that shut-in the facil ity. The generator sustained damage while the engine did not. 

Date: 29-0 CT- I 996 Operator: ORYX Energy Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl 3808 Event(s): Fire I Inj ury ( I) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 379 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 360' 

Remarks: A short circuit was caused while attempting to connect test clips across the fuse holder. The test clip 

ends being large and wide opening shorted together or separately across phases. 

53 
Date: I 1-NOV- 1996 Operator: Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing SE, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02393 Event(s): Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 573 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 336' 

Remarks: 	 A fire occurred on the cellar deck SW corner at Generator #I exhaust system, inside and outside the 

generator room. Internal fire was caused by excessive lube oil in the Generator #I engine, resulting 

in lube oil overflowing onto the engine exhaust system. The seals on the exhaust expansion joints 

are not designed to seal for liquids, resulting in the lube oil coming in contact with the external part 

of the exhaust system and starting an external fire. 

Date: 14-NOV­ 1996 Operator: OXY USA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G030 11 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 16 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 273' 

Remarks: 	 Smoke was noted coming from the water heater electric box (thermostat control) located inside the 

living quarters. Upon removal of the cover of the electric box, a small fire was noted. The fire was 

extinguished with a hand-held fire extinguisher, and the circuit breaker was manually tripped. 

Damage was estimated at less than $500. 

Date: 19-NOV- 1996 Operator: Marathon Oil Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Exploration 

Lease: Gl3084 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Ewing Bank Operation: Drilling 

Block: 963 Cause : Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: 5 1505 Diamond Lexington Water Depth: 1758' 

Remarks: 	 Smoke was observed coming from the motor room vent. The fire team responded to the scene of the 

fire. The fire team was unable to see due to dense smoke in the motor room, therefore, the rotation 

of the exhaust fans was reversed, and the smoke cleared. The fire was confined to #3 rig air 

compressor and was extinguished with a hand-held co~ extinguisher. 

54 
Date: 26-NOV-1996 Operator: Texaco. Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02937 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 109 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 184' 

Remarks: A crank case breather fi lter on the compressor caught fire when two compressors went down. The 

exertion of pressure on one of the compressors caused it to catch fire. The fire extinguished itself. 

Date: 26-NOV-1996 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G00983 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 252 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: 2854 1 Diamond Ocean Crusade Water Depth: 148' 

Remarks: 	 The rig experienced a power loss. Fire was discovered on engine #3. The fire teams were alerted, 

within 45 seconds, and they were on location to relieve the motorman on the scene. The fire was 

extinguished in approximately 2 minutes. This all occurred in a 4 minute time span. Generator 2G I 

and the draw works motors had Oashed over, Generator 3G I was completely burnt 

Date: 27-NOV-1996 Operator: Tana Oil & Gas Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Exploration 

Lease: 00 146 Evenl(s): Fire I Explosion I Blowout I Injury (3) 

Area: West Delta Operation: Completion 

Block: 58 Cause: Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: 909 13 Marine XV Water Depth: 48' 

Remarks: 	 Prior to going into well #4 with a wireline guaging tool, it was necessary to pressure up Lo 2,600 psi 

to open the SSSV. After the SSSV was open. the pressure was bled down into the mud pit room 

resulting in an explosion. The SSSV was not closed, thereby allowing the continuous feeding of the 

fire. The platfonn was evacuated and 11 personnel were treated for injuries with 3 requiring 

hospitalization. A fire boat extinguished the fire on 28 Nov 1996 at 1420 hours. The rig was boarded 

and the SSSV was closed at 1600 hours. 

55 
Dale: 02-DEC-1996 Operator: Chevron USA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G00386 Evenl(s): Fire I Injury ( I) 

Area: South Timbalier Operation: Workover 

Block: 23 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Waler Depth: 44' 

Remarks: An employee singed his hair when an unknown gas flashed because of the cutting torch he was using 

on a 36" flare stack piling. The employee was then taken lo the hospital. 

Date: 05-DEC-1996 Operator: Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing SE, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease : G02947 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 73 Cause: Equipmenl Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 141' 

Remarks: 	 The No. 2 generator fuel valve failed sending fuel through the exhaust pipe that ignited due to heat. 

The valve was shut off, and water was sprayed on the exhaust pipe. The only damage was to the 

exhaust pipe. 

Date: 06-DEC-1996 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G01294 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 62 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 340' 

Remarks: A stainless sleet line (3/8") broke on the compressor oil pump and sprayed engine oil on the exhaust 

manifold. The platform was shut down, and the fire was put out with fire extinguishers. No damage. 

56 
Date: IO-DEC-1996 Operator: Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing SE, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G04940 Event(s): Fire I Injury (I) 

Area: Green Canyon Operation: Drilling 

Block: 18 Cause: Design Error 

Rig/Platform: A H&P 106 Water Depth: 750' 

Remarks: 	 Fire originated on south end cellar deck. The fire pump skid consists of 500-gal diesel day storage 

tank located adjacent to the pump's diesel engine. The exhaust pipe from the pump engine extends 

over the fuel tank at a level below the top of the tank's overflow vent. Fuel tank overflowed through 

vent line while refueling. Diesel fuel sprayed onto the insulated engine exhaust; and, through joints 

in the insulation, the fuel contacted the engine exhaust (600-700 degrees Fahrenheit). The fire was 

extinguished within 40 minutes by personnel on the platform. 

Date: IO-DEC- 1996 Operator: Callon Petroleum 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G06842 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Chandeleur Area Operation: Production 

Block: 40 Cause: Packing Items Covered 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 108' 

Remarks: Wooden blocks on the new compressor caught fire resulting in a 2" flame for 2 minutes. Fire was 

extinguished with water. 

Date: I l-DEC-1996 Operator: Cockrell Oil Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G08756 Event(s): Fire I Injury (I ) 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 187 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 155' 

Remarks: Saltwater was used to put fire out. 

57 
Date: l l -DEC-1996 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G00842 Event(s): Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 105 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: E Water Depth: 237' 

Remarks: 	 A contract employee was attempting to light the glycol reboiler. The electrical ignitor was faulty. 

Employee tied a rag onto a piece of stainless tubing and tried to light it. However, the wind kept 

blowing so he moved behind instrument panel and opened the doors to light rag. This sparked the 

gas in the panel resulting in I st and 2nd degree burns to his face and hands. No damage to panel. 

Date: l5-DEC-1996 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Exploration 

Lease: G-05646 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Timbalier Operation: Drilling 

Block: 295 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Pool 18 I A Water Depth: 282' 

Remarks: 	 An oil line on the rig generator broke. The oil line was replaced, and the area was cleaned up. Hours 

later, the generator was restarted, and the test was run . The exhaust insulation at the turbo charger 

on the generator caught fire. The fire was extinguished, the generator shut down, the insulation 

removed, dried out, and reinstalled. The generator was restarted again and observed for several hours 

before a small flame was observed. The fire was extinguished, and the insulation was removed, and 

new insulation was installed. [NOTE: The first fire was detected on December 15, 1996, at 2045, 

followed by the second fire, which occurred on December 16, 1996, at 22 15.) 

Date: I6-DEC-1996 Operator: Enron Oil & Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl4!03 Event(s): Fire I Injury (I) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Production 

Block: 759 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 154' 

Remarks: 	 The operator was in the process of lighting the pilot in the reboiler. There was a back flash out of the 

tube after supplying fuel. The workman sustained burns to the front of his head and was taken to the 

hospital for treatment and then released. 

58 
Date: l 6-DEC- 1996 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc . 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 0 12981 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Timbalier Operation: Drilling 

Block: 296 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: 93 151 Pool 18 Water Depth: 288' 

Remarks: 	 The platform was having generator problems so they took the exhaust strap off and cleaned il. The 

compressor ran for I 0 hours and then began smoldering. In laking the strap off, there was a flame 

that lasted I minute. It was put out with a fire extinguisher, and there was no monetary loss. They 

will replace all engine exhaust insulation. 

Date: l 8-DEC-1996 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 0 02280 Event(s): Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 130 Cause: Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 2 16' 

Remarks: 	 The Cold Start Air-Compressor Unit (CSACU) is a Model XHP-750-S-GM, Ingersoll-Rand two stage 

air compressor directly coupled to a Detroit Diesel V-71 engine prime mover. Temporary air supply 

was provided to platform controller devices during initial start-up situations when electrical power 

generation is not available to run electrical driven air compressors. Before the fire incident, the 

CSACU was in operation due to failure of a gas turbine powered electrical generator. The unit was 

in operation for approximately 30 minutes when Shell personnel discovered it was on fire. The fire 

was then extinguished after an estimated bum time of 4 to 5 minutes. The fire was apparently intense 

but localized. When the MMS investigation was performed, the CSACU unit had been disconnected 

from the platform piping and was awaiting transportation for repairs and further evaluation. There 

were no inj uries of pollution. 

59 
Date: I 9-DEC-1996 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05754 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Mobile Operation: Production 

Block: 917 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 52' 

Remarks: 	 The crane mechanic on the platform intercomed upstairs saying he smelled smoke coming from the 

MCC room. Two workmen observed the #2 potable water pump breaker trip, then discovered a small 

fire when they opened the door to the MCC room. The workmen grabbed a fire extinguisher and 

sprayed a small amount on the fire, extinguishing it. There were no injuries reported. 

Date: I 9-DEC-1996 Operator: Enron Oil & Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G06044 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Production 

Block: 638 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 96' 

Remarks: An ice plug blew out of a nowline hitting an electric wire on the choke, starting a small Oash fire. 

Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platform: 

21-DEC- 1996 

None 

G04518 

Green Canyon 

184 

A 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Conoco, Inc. 

Development 

Fire 

Production 

Human Error 

1760' 

Remarks: 	 Operator noticed smoke coming from the turbine generator exhaust at the dock penetration level on 

the top deck of the TLWP. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the sight glass on a glycol bulk 

tank near by had been pushed over by high winds, allowing glycol to escape. The sight glass was 

approximately 4 feet long, and the top was not secured. Glycol was being blown onto the turbine 

exhaust and seeped under the insulation. Excessive smoke and a small name were detected and 

extinguished. The insulation on the exhaust was rinsed with water after the unit was shut in. In order 

to prevent recurrence, the top of the sight glass was secured. 

60 
Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platform: 

24-DEC-1996 

Complete 

002940 

South Pass 

57 

B 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Chevron USA, Inc. 

Development 

Fire 

Production 

Human Error 

194' 

Remarks: Cigarette butts in trash can in the SCADA room. This room is not designated as a smoking area. 

Date: 25-DEC-1996 Operator: Energy Resource Technology, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00147 1 Event(s}: Fire 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 177 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: 3 Water Depth: 51' 

Remarks: 	 A I -second fl ash fire occurred when a gas-powered starter was engaged on an oil pipeline pump. 

There were no injuries or damage to equipment. The platform and well were shut in and have 

remained so until an approval was attained for resumption of production. The probable cause was 

attributed to blown seals on the gas starter due to a failed instrument gas regulator. The operator 

replaced and field tested a new regulator, spark plug, and wires on the pump engine. 

61 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Fatalities - 1995 


Date: 19-JAN-95 Operator: Pogo Producing Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl2088 Event(s): Fatality ( I) I Injury( I) 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Completion 

Block: 123 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: G lomar High Island II Water Depth: 153' 

Remarks: 	 Floorhands were pulling I-in wash pipe up to -60' when the top piece of wash pipe caught on 

Top-Drive of rig. Three noorhands tried to free wash pipe. The T-bar clamp slipped off the pipe. 

The wash pipe fell back into the hole, striking one floorhand in the hip, and the other on the forehead 

on the way down. The floorhand that was hit in the hip was evacuated to the hospital for treatment, 

whereas the second noorhand was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. 

Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platform: 

16-JUN-95 

Complete 

G08640 

East Cameron 

82 

Ensco 51 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Houston Exploration Company 

Development 

Fatality ( I) 

Motor Vessel 

Equipment Failure 

56' 

Remarks: 	 Rig personnel were in the process of removing tie ropes for mooring supply-work boats from the legs 

of the rig. The crane operator lowered a worker by the port crane between the leg and rig hull, down 

to the bottom of the leg so that he could disconnect the mooring ropes. The D-ring slipped past the 

safety latch and off of the crane fast line ball hook. The worker was observed falling into the Gulf 

waters wearing a workvest life jacket and a safety riding belt. All operations were shut down and a 

search was launched. The body was found still attached to the riding cable. 

62 
Date: 12-AUG-95 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G01614 Event(s): Fatality ( I) 

Area: South Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 70 Cause: Human Error I Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: c Water Depth: 264' 

Remarks: 	 While replacing grating on the sump tank deck, the construction personnel removed a section of 

grating on the well bay deck level to lower the new section of grating to the sump tank deck level. 

A production hand carrying a small box was hurrying to answer a phone call when he fell through the 

hole striking a pole on the lower deck and then falling to the+12 boat dock level. The production 

hand was flown to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Date: 24-AUG-95 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc 

Investigation: Panel formed I Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00374 Event(s): Fatality (2) 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 41 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 51 ' 

Remarks: 	 Two Chevron operators attended the daily morning meeting with other Chevron operations personnel 

on Platform M, Main Pass Block 42. Following the meeting, one of the operators, henceforth referred 

to as Operator 2, departed Platform D of the L-D-M complex by boat for Platform B. The other 

operator, henceforth referred to as Operator 1, after further discussions and meetings regarding the 

blowing-down of a 16-inch pipeline from Platform B to Platform L, departed Platform M with two 

contractors by helicopter for Platform B. Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes after having arrived 

on Platform B, Operator I approached one of the contractors who was working on a valve and told 

him to use his ear plugs because the blowing-down of the 16-inch gas pipeline would soon begin. 

The operator then left the contractor's work area. Very soon thereafter, the contractor heard a loud 

noise and went to the 16-inch pipeline pig launcher area. There he observed that both Operators 1 

and 2 had been injured. Chevron operations personnel on Platform M were then notified. As a result 

of the notification, Chevron operations personnel and paramedics flew immediately to the scene. The 

paramedics communicated by phone with a physician who advised that the operators should be 

considered fatalities. The bodies were flown to Port Sulphur Hospital. The operators blew down the 

pipeline and secured the accident area for investigative purposes. A Chevron safety specialist arrived 

on the scene at 1400 hours. Two MMS inspectors arrived at approximately 1445 hours. 

63 
Date: 25-NOY-95 Operator: Forcenergy Gas Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G01177 Event(s): Fatality (1 )/Injury (I) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 6 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 65' 

Remarks: 	 While tightening bolts on the flare line flange on the +10 level near the platform leg, an 18# piece of 

angle iron fell from a position above two workers (operator and roustabout), striking one. The 

operator, who suffered a fractured skull was knocked into the Gulf. The roustabout, who suffered 

a fractured right hand and cuts on his right forearm, attempted to assist his coworker until help could 

arrive. The operator was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. 

Date: 27-NOY-95 Operator: V astar Resources, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G I0152 Event(s): Fatality (I) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 806 Cause: Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Marine XVI Water Depth: 172' 

Remarks: 	 A driller was working on the rig floor when the portable top drive disengaged from the kelly swivel, 

falling, and hitting him in the head. The impact killed him instantly. The body was taken to the 

medical center by helicopter. 

Date: 09-DEC-95 Operator: Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing SE, Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G05475 Event(s): Fatality (1) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 205 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 442' 

Remarks: 	 A contract employee was removing scaffolding from the subcellar deck of the platform with a cutting 

torch. An employee had finished removing a piece of angle iron when he asked a coworker, who was 

working on top side of the deck at the time. He was standing on a 2" pipe and was holding onto the 

handrails. He then fell approximately 46' into I 0-12' seas. The body was not recovered. 

64 
Fatalities - 1996 


Date: 21-FEB-96 Operator: Coastal Oil and Gas Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Ac ti vity: Development 

Lease: G08418 Event(s): Fatality ( 1) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Drilling 

Block: 189 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: Cliff Drilling 152 Water Depth: 93' 

Remarks: 	 Three rig personnel were attaching BeBe winch cables to the BOP stack. They were working from 

an elevated work platform (commonly called the Texas deck), which had been positioned around the 

BOP stack approximately 40 feet above the A platform well deck. A 2"x 12"x 16' scaffold board was 

installed across the Texas deck. The scaffold board broke into three pieces under the combined 

weight and activities of the three personnel. Two men were able to hold onto existing piping and the 

BOP stack (one was wearing a harness). The third man fell approximately 40-ft to the platform well 

deck. CPR was administered to the victim, but he was unresponsive. 

Date: 04-MAR-96 Operator: Pennzoil Exploration and Production Co. 

Investigation: None Activity: Production 

Lease: Gl2756 Event(s): Fatality (I) 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Workover 

Block: 83 Cause: Diver lost air supply 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 37' 

Remarks: 	 A diver was conducting gauging readings when he reported low air pressure over the intercom line. 

A leak was detected at the hose connection to his helmet. The air hose was hung up and help could 

not get the diver free. The diver was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. 

65 
Date: 30-APR-96 Operator: NCX Company, Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02724 Event(s): FataJity ( I) I Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A270 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 164' 

Remarks: 	 Slag and sparks were falling from welder's cutting and replacing grating on sump deck. The gas 

powered wash-down pump was turned on to wet the tarps over the sump tank. The wash-down pump 

stroked several times fast, venting gas, which was ignited from the slag and sparks. Trying to get a 

better view of the fire, the welding supervisor stepped through the open hole in the grating, fell 30 

ft, hit the handrail, and fell into the Gulf waters. The structure was shut-in by activating the ESD 

Station. The fire was quickly extinguished with a dry chemical extinguisher. The welding supervisor 

suffered internal injuries, which were fatal. 

Date: 04-JUN-96 Operator: Sarnedan Oil Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G09478 Event(s): Fatality ( 1) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Drilling 

Block: 332 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Pride 95 1 Water Depth: 250' 

Remarks: 	 During reaming operations, the driller was in the process of breaking out the top drive at the rig floor. 

After having set the speed and rotation controls, the driller began to increase torque. As torque was 

increased, the elevator links, which were tilted out as a result of the position of the top drive unit, 

began to rotate counterclockwise. The driller, in attempting to stop the rotation of the elevator links, 

overcompensated by turning the rotation control knob past the neutral setting to the clockwise 

position. As a result, the elevator links and attached elevator reversed direction, struck the driller, and 

fatally pinned the driller as well as the drilling console against the draw works. 

Date: 24-SEP-96 Operator: Exxon Corporation 

Investigation: Pending Activity: Investigation Pending 

Lease: 00033 Event(s): Fatality (I ) 

Area: Grand Isle Operation: Investigation Pending 

Block: 19 Cause: Investigation Pending 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 55' 

Remarks: 	 INVESTIGATION PENDING. 

66 
Date: 28-NOV-96 Operator: Energy Development Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G06178 Event(s): Fatality (3) 

Area: High Island Operation: Helicopter 

Block: 20 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 56' 

Remarks: 	 At 1533, an Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopter, N6100U, owned and operated by PHI was destroyed 

during an emergency landing at the HI A20 platform. The pilot and the two passengers were fatally 

injured. The flight originated from HI 446 platform at 1504 and was enroute to the HI 105 platform. 

Date: 07-DEC-96 Operator: W&T Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G04228 Event(s): Fatality (I) I Injury ( 1) I Explosion 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: P&A 

Block: 133 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Gulf Island IV /#4(removed) Water Depth: 37' 

Remarks: 	 A welder was cutting bolts on a flowline flange with his blow torch when fire flashed and caught the 

welders clothes on fire. At this point, the welder was engulfed in flames. He ran to the lifeboat and 

was exti nguished with a 5# dry chemical fire extinguisher. Later, one of the individuals that aided 

in the care of the injured developed chest pains so he was evacuated at the same time as the welder 

by Coast Guard helicopter at 0521 hours. The welder later died. 

Date: 09-DEC-96 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: Pending Activity: Investigation Pending 

Lease: G02116 Event(s): Fatality (I) 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Investigation Pending 

Block: 331 Cause: Investigation Pending 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 241 ' 

Remarks: 	 Three personnel were replacing grating at the + 12' level. Two of them noticed that the third was 

missing. An intial search could not locate the missing worker. A search was initiated to see if he 

could be located in the Gulf water around the platform. They spoke with a Petty Officer with the 

Morgan City Coast Guard Office on December 13, 1996, at 14: 10 hours and he stated that the search 

for the missing man was ended on December I0, 1996, at 16:00 hours. On December 27, 1996, a 

diver found the body of the missing welder under the platform. USCG approval was obtained to 

remove the body. An autopsy has been performed, but the results are not known at this Investigation. 

67 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Injuries - 1995 


Date: 19-JAN-95 Operator: Pogo Producing Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G1 2088 Event(s): Injury ( I ) I Fatality ( I) 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Completion 

Block: 123 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Glomar High Island II Water Depth: 153' 

Remarks: 	 Floorhands were pulling l " wash pipe up to -60' when the top piece of wash pipe caught on 

Top-Drive of rig. Three floorhands tried to free wash pipe. The T-bar clamp slipped off the pipe. 

The wash pipe fell back into the hole, striking one floorhand in the hip and the other on the forehead 

on the way down. The floorhand that was hit in the hip was evacuated to the hospital for treatment, 

whereas the second floorhand was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. 

Date: 28-MAR-95 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05996 Event(s): Injury (1 ) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Production 

Block: 784 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: B Platform Water Depth: 170' 

Remarks: 	 A worker caught his fi nger between the pad-eye of the Safeguard Tank and the sling shackle of the 

crane line while unloading a workboat. Part of his fi nger was cut off. He was flown to a medical 

center for treatment. 

68 
Date: 05-APR-95 Operator: Anadarko Petroleum Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G l2831 Event(s): Inj ury ( 1) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Crane operation 

Block: 157 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 78' 

Remarks: A worker dislocated and fractured his right ankle while assisting in the crane operation. 

Date: 07-APR-95 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G023 16 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: SM South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

B lock: 288 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: CB Water Depth: 40' 

Remarks: An employee pinched his hand between a christmas tree and an iron basket while attempting to 

remove a nylon sling. 

Date: l l-APR-95 Operator: Amoco Production Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02037 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 222 Cause : Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 110' 

Remarks: A worker was swinging onto the platfonn and, in the process, split his left knee open to the bone. 

69 
Date: I l-APR-95 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05996 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Production 

Block: 784 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 190' 

Remarks: 	 A worker climbed an extension ladder that was set up against a well. He leaned out to tighten a fitting 

and the ladder slipped. He fell with the ladder approximately 6' striking his knee on the deck or a 

ladder rung. 

Date: 12-APR-95 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G03783 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 353 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: D Water Depth: 298' 

Remarks: A worker's back started to hurt after carrying a fax machine to the bunk house. 

Date: 26-MAY-95 Operator: CNG Producing Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05391 Event(s): Injury (1) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 299 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 185' 

Remarks: An air conditioning unit fell and pinned a worker against a weight machine, injuring his upper left 

arm. 

70 
Date : 26-JUN-95 Operator: Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease : G02690 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A471 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 189' 

Remarks: An employee was working on a compressor when he pulled a muscle in his shoulder. 

Date: 12-AUG-95 Operator: Conoco Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00792 Event(s): Injury ( I ) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Welding 

Block: 108 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: D Water Depth : 183' 

Remarks: A welder helper received minor burn!'. between his thumb and forefinger while welding a flange. 

Date : 30-AUG-95 Operator: Amerada Hess Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G03061 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: A 85 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Middletown Water Depth: 46' 

Remarks: 	 A worker was suspended in the derrick in a riding belt attached to a hoist line hammering loose a bull 

plug. The plug suddenly came off and struck him in the hip/groin area. Immediately it was 

discovered that he was bleeding from the hip/groin area. First aid was administered before he was 

transported to the hospital to undergo surgery for his inj uries. 

71 

Date: 31 -AUG-95 Operator: Amerada Hess Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Exploration 

Lease: Gl2427 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: A 86 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Middletown Water Depth: 46' 

Remarks: A rig hand was changing the Kelly line. While hammering on a plug, the plug hit the worker's hip 

resulting in a fractured bone. 

Date: 08-SEP-95 Operator: Noreen Explorer, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl523 Event(s): Injury ( I) I Fire 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Production 

Block: 207 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: IOO' 

Remarks: 	 A worker responded to an alarm on the compressor platform. Upon arrival, the worker heard a 

blowing sound. The gas detector had tripped. Upon investigation, he found gas blowing from the 

No.6 cylinder on the TVS compressor. The gas ignited giving the worker 1st degree burns on his 

hands, ears, and face. The ESD device was tripped to shut down all operations. The fire alarm was 

also activated. The main fire was extinguished within 5 minutes with dry chemical, col, and water. 

Smaller fires were extinguished and the area secured within 45 minutes. 

Date: 18-SEP-95 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G0824 l Event(s): Injury (I ) 

Area: Grand Banks Operation: Production 

Block: 426 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: Sonat Auger/A (AUGER) Water Depth: 2861' 

Remarks: An employee fell off the stairs and fractured his left arm. 

72 
Date: 24-SEP-95 Operator: Apache Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl4833 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: Galveston Operation: Produclion 

Block: 300 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 62' 

Remarks: While an employee was cleaning the top of the Emergency light in the galley, the chair he was 

standing on slid from underneath him. 

Date: 02-0CT-95 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G l3293 Event(s): Injury( I ) 

Area: Matagorda Island Operalion: Drilling 

Block: 699 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Pride Colorado Water Depth: 90' 

Remarks: While laying down drill pipe out the V-door, a joint fell off of the catwalk. While picking up the pipe 

with an air tugger, a roustabout's fingers were severed between the pipe and the edge of the V-door. 

Date: 05-0CT-95 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G072 15 Event(s): Injury (!) 

Area: Brazos Operation: Production 

Block: 376 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 56' 

Remarks: An operator was climbing down a 6' ladder from the wellbay to the cellar deck. His left foot slipped 

off the second rung from the top, and he landed on the deck in an awkward position. 

73 
Date: IO-OCT-95 Operator: Kerr-McGee Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G05479 Event(s): Injury (2) 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 28 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 16' 

Remarks: 	 A section of chicksan from the blowdown tank was being rerouted to a high-pressure pump. The 

piping was in the process of being connected to the pump when the SSV on the well slowly opened. 

The release of pressure caused the chicksan joint to whip around the deck striking a wireline operator 

and helper both involved in rerouting the piping. It damaged the wireline unit and jackup boat. A 

technician at this time heard air bleeding at the wellhead and tried to close the manumatic surface 

safety valve, which didn ' t respond quickly, and finally closed the manual master valve. First aid was 

administered and preparations were made to air lift the injured to a hospital. 

Date: 05-NOV-95 Operator: Midcon Offshore Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02885 Event(s): Injury (I) I Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 141 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 247' 

Remarks: 	 A flash fire occurred on test separator while rusted bolts were being removed on the condensate I oil 

discharge line. A welder's cutting torch was being used to remove the bolts when trapped condensate 

was released causing a flash fire. The cutting operator suffered I st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns. All 

operations were immediately shut down and first aid administered to the victim. 

Date: 14-NOV-95 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G08241 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Production 

Block: 426 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 2861' 

Remarks: While removing retaining pins from the production riser, the tensioner shifted, entrapping his hand. 

74 
Date: 25-NOV-95 Operator: Forcenergy Gas Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOll77 Event(s): Fatality (I ) I Injury ( I) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 6 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 65' 

Remarks: 	 While tightening bolts on the flare line flange on the +I 0 level near the platform leg, an 18# piece of 

angle iron fell from a position above two workers (operator and roustabout). striking one. The 

operator, who suffered a fractured skull was knocked into the Gulf. The roustabout, who suffered 

a fractured right hand and cuts on his right forearm, attempted to assist his coworker until help could 

arrive. The roustabout was unaware of how his hand got fractured. The operator was pronounced 

dead on arrival at the hospital. 

Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platfonn: 

07-DEC-95 

None 

00780 

South Marsh Island 

33 

Glomar Adriatic 7 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Apache Corporation 

Development 

Inj ury ( I) 

Drilling 

Human Error 

29' 

Remarks: 	 Worker was in the process of wiping oil from the generator drip pan with a rag. His right hand 

sustained lacerations and a possible broken middle finger when his hand and the rag became tangled 

in the fan blades. 

75 
Injuries - 1996 


Date: 05-JAN-96 Operator: DelMar Operating, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00437 Event(s): Injury (1) I Explosion I Fire 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 199 Cause: Equipment FaHure 

Rig/Platform: A-QRTS Water Depth: JOI' 

Remarks: 	 The platfonn operator was warming up (idling) the gas compressor engine when the final discharge 

piping exploded and a small flash fire occurred. The flash fire extinguished itself immediately. One 

operator was passing near the compressor piping when the explosion occurred, resulting in minor 

injuries to the eyes and face and ringing in the ears. 

Date: 14-JAN-96 Operator: Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing NA, Inc 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00244 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 71 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 38' 

Remarks: An electrician was helping repair a crane engine throttle control. He stepped from a skid beam down 

onto uneven grating and twisted his right ankle. 

Date: 21 -JAN-96 Operator: Hardy Oil & Gas USA Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl0342 Event(s): Injury (2) I Piping rupture 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Production 

Block: 240 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Diamond Ambassador Water Depth: 832' 

Remarks: 	 Prior to opening the well (on a 10/ 64 choke with 5,458 psi), portable test equipment piping was pressure 

tested to 4,000 psi. The manifold choke was increased to 12/(,.l with 6, 125 psi and then again to 14/ 64. 

Simultaneously, the heater choke was increased from 22/ 64 to 24/ 64, resulting in the decrease in heater 

pressure. Immediately following the above choke adj ustments, an elbow in the tlowline piping 

between the choke manifold and the heater ruptured. The supervisor and field tech. were both struck 

in the leg causing lacerations. The ESD activated and shut in the well at surface. 

76 
Date: 24-JAN-96 Operator: Amoco Production Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00780 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: South Marsh Operation: Drilling 

Block: 33 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 90' 

Remarks: Pulled muscle in groin while lifting materials. 

Date: 26-JAN-96 Operator: Amoco Production Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00780 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 33 Cause: Slip Trip Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 90' 

Remarks: Lifling on fill-up line and strained back. 

Date: 30-JAN-96 Operator: Energy Development Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Exploration 

Lease: Gl2821 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Drilling 

Block: 76 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Falcon 84 Water Depth: 57' 

Remarks: Cable broke dropping the bell nipple 29' on deck injuring an employee . 

77 

Date : 04-FEB-96 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl 146 Event(s): Injury (I ) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Workover 

Block: 245 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 130' 

Remarks: A SS tubing drain line was being installed. The worker started to stand, and his left knee popped. 

Date: 15-FEB-96 Operator: Total Minatome Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G03135 Event(s): Injury ( I )/Explosion 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 267 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: F Water Depth: 165' 

Remarks: 	 Platform operators were sitting in front of the operator's desk located in the southeast comer 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/SSAH sealed battery inside the ainight-sealed giatronic box. Following the explosion, the 

battery, estimated to be approximately 10 pounds in weight, fell from the shattered giatronic box onto 

an operators lower back. He and a coworker immediately exited the east doorway of the living 

quarters following the explosion. Both returned lo 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. 

Date: 06-MAR-96 Operator: CNG Producing Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G0239 1 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: High Island Operation: Other - Climbing 

Block: A 57 1 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 283' 

Remarks: 	 The captain was walking downstairs to the galley when he lost his footing around the middle rung. 

He fell to galley floor complaining of pain. The result was 3 broken ribs and a punctured lung. 

78 
Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platfonn: 

08-MAR-96 

None 

G02393 

High Island 

A 573 

A 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Mobil Exploration and ProducingNA. Inc 

Development 

Injury ( I) 

Production 

Slip, Trip, Fall 

327' 

Remarks: An employee was descending steps, missed a step, and fell to floor. 

Date: 30-MAR-96 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G0595 3 Event(s): Inj ury ( I ) 

Area: North Padre Island Operation: Production 

Block: 969 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platfonn: JA Water Depth: 140' 

Remarks: 	 An operator was working on the crane boom ram preparing it for the welder. He was taking out the 

pressure relief valve from the ram block using a 12" pipe wrench, placing his hand on the wrench by 

his shoulder, and pushing upward. Motion resulted in a slight tweek and pa.in in lower back. 

Date: 03-APR-96 Operator: Midcon Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G03323 Event(s): Inj ury ( I ) I Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 220 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 99' 

Remarks: 	 Platfonn operator I was cleaning sand and BS&W from the flare scrubber by removing the flange to 

flange piping and drain valve from the vessel. Operators 2 and 3 were simultaneously initiating 

production and pressuring up the production separator. The pressure relief valve relieved prematurely 

through the valve and piping. This pressure surge generated static electricity and ignition. Operator 

I was in the immediate vicinity of the escaping gas and fire and received bums to his face, neck, and 

anns. The fire scorched the flare scrubber and contact tower, melted the electrical wiring tray, and 

acti vated the fire loop system by burning through a TSE, which properly resulted in total platfonn 

shut down. 

79 
Date: 06-APR-96 Operator: Noreen Explorer 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 002600 Event(s): Injury ( I) I Fire 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 28 1 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: c Water Depth: 30' 

Remarks: 	 The platform operator was attempting to start the platform diesel crane engine whose starter is 

propelled by 140 psi supply gas pressure. The operator sprayed ether into the engine air intake and 

walked around the side to signal another operator to open lhe gas start valve. When the first operator 

checked to see if the engine started, he heard an explosion and a brief flash fire occurred inflicting 

first and second degree bums on his face. The operator was transferred to a quarters facility and 

treated by a medic. The burns were considered minor, and the operator declined further medical 

evaluation at a land-based facility. 

Date: 1l-APR-96 Operator: Mobile Exploration and Producing NA, Inc 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 002393 Event(s): Injury {l ) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 573 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 327' 

Remarks: 	 Employee set air hoist controller on upper cat walk and turned tripping off the lower cat walk. Air 

hoist was moved causing air hoist controller to fall striking an employee on the right knee. He lost 

his balance, stumbled against a 4" kick plate on lhc lower cat walk, and fe ll 2' to the deck. 

Date: 14-APR-96 Operator: Mobil Exploration and Producing NA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 002393 Event(s): Injury (I ) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 573 Cause: Overexertion 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 327' 

Remarks: 	 Employee was lifting compressor pistons from compressor skid to wash area and then back to the 

compressor skid. This resulted in an inguinal hernia. 

80 
Date: 24-APR-96 Operator: Shell Offshore Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Exploration 

Lease: G08241 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Drilling 

Block: 426 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 2861 ' 

Remarks: Crew was tripping pipe in the hole and drill pipe struck roughneck in the face. 

Date: 14-MAY-96 Operator: Union Oil Company of California 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: 00297 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: Vennillion Operation: Workover 

Block: 26 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platfonn: Sundowner Dolphin 110 Water Depth: 21' 

Remarks: 	 Two roustabouts were spotting a Francis torque unit when one of them stepped backward and fell 

through a 4' x 4' open hatch in the top deck. He suffered numerous fractures, contusions, and 

lacerations. He received immediate first aid and was e vacuated for emergency medical aid. 

Date: 18-MAY-96 Operator: Mobil E&P North America Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02752 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 382 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platfonn: F Water Depth: 345' 

Remarks: In locating the steam cleaner on the well bay with crane, it hung up on edge of platfonn. When the 

unit was freed, it was lowered onto the employee's foot causing his foot and ankle to twist. 

81 
Date: 2 1-MAY-96 Operator: PANACO, Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: Louisiana State Lease 979 Event(s): Injury (3) I Explosion I Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 54 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: STATE FACILITY Water Depth: 9' 

Remarks: 	 [NOTE: The accident occurred on State Lease 979, West Delta, Block 54. This facility is located in 

State waters; however, OCS oil is processed into Tank No. I giving MMS authority to investigate.] 

Workers were preparing to clean storage tanks on platform. Two workers in a tank were handed a, 

supposedly, secured steam cleaning sprayer nozzle. The explosion occurred when the cleaning unit 

was started. The safety representati ve grabbed an extinguisher, but the unit failed to discharge 

chemical into the tank. All personnel were evacuated. Only one fire monitor was activated due to 

the fire pump malfunctioning. The fire was extinguished using the fire monitor and water spray from 

the life boat. There were three minor injuries as a result of the accident. 

Date: 12-JUN-96 Operator: Seneca Resources Corporation 

In vestigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G 13865 Event(s): Injury ( I) I Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 149 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Ensco 98/A Water Depth: 83' 

Remarks: 	 The A-3 well was dri lled and completed as a dual gas well and was in the process of being flow 

tested. The platform operator was unloading sand from the test separator vessel by periodically 

opening a I 1/2" manual ball valve located on the bottom of the vessel, while maintaining about 

I 000# back pressure on the vessel. A mixture of gas and sand continued to cut out the valve and high 

pressure gas was released to the atmosphere. The natural gas and fluid release came in contact with 

a fired component and was ignited. The platform safety system operated properly and shut in the 

wells I and 2. Well A-3 was shut in by manually activating the ESD remote located on the test 

separator. 

82 
Date: 15-JUN-96 Operator: Anadarko Petroleum Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02754 Event(s): Injury (1) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: 376 Cause: Slip Trip Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 328' 

Remarks: 	 The injured party was stepping down from piping by "A" compressor over to the grating when he lost 

footing and fell. His injuries consisted of torn ligaments in the right knee, and the left shin was cut 

to the bone requiring stitches. 

Date: 29-JUL-96 Operator: Murphy Exploration & Production Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G01526 Event(s): Injury (I) I Crane 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Workover 

Block: 223 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: POOL 3/B Water Depth: 144' 

Remarks: 	 The crane operator was using the fast line with a nylon strap to relocate valves to the opposite side 

of the blowout preventer stack. After hooking up to the valve assembly, they motioned to the crane 

operator to pick it up slightly, but not completely off the deck. Two personnel applied leverage to 

tum the valve assembly over. There was slack in the nylon strap causi ng travel in the fast line ball. 

The ball struck the wind wall causing a section to fall from the rig floor, and injuring a derrickhand. 

He received a compound fracture to his leg and a laceration on his shoulder. 

Date: 29-JUL-96 Operator: Stone Energy Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl238 Event(s): Injury (2) I Fire 

Area: South Pelto Operation: Drilling 

Block: 23 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Noble Max Smith Water Depth: 60' 

Remarks: 	 Problem with breaker for rig ventilation system. The electrician and motormen began installing copus 

blowers to keep air compressors cool while rig crew finished pulling out of the hole with bottom hole 

assembly. Electrician began isolating the panel board. While tightening last bolt, an arc explosion 

occurred. There were 2 injuries resulting in burns over 20-25 precent of the men's bodies. 

83 
Date: 08-AUG-96 Operator: Mobil Exploration & Producing NA, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 002757 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 382 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: F Water Depth: 345' 

Remarks: At some point in time, during the day, the employee incorrectly pushed, pulled, lifted, twisted, bent, 

or turned. No single event during the day is tied to the injury. 

Date: 02-SEP-96 Operator: Forcenergy Gas Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 003776 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: So uth Marsh Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 106 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 185' 

Remarks: An employee was hit by the Kelly hose after a down hole pressure surge. 

Date: 08-SEP-96 Operator: Conoco Inc 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G01498 Event(s): Injury ( 1) I Fire 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 96 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: R Water Depth: 148' 

Remarks: 	 They were dismantling a section of pipeline riser. The pipeline had been flushed three times with 

water and had been pigged twice. All the pressure above the shutdown valve had been bled to 0. The 

riser was disconnected enough at the top to determine that there was no gas in the riser. A rigger was 

using a torch to cut the remaining studs and bolts off that were partially attaching the shutdown valve 

to the riser. Hot metal from the cutting torch fell into the open riser below the shutdown valve. 

Residual hydrocarbons inside the riser ignited and created a flash fire, which burned a portion of the 

rigger's arm that was exposed to the open top area of the pipeline riser. 

84 
Date: 17-SEP-96 Operator: Texaco Exploration and Production Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G00974 Event(s): Injury (1) 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Motor Vessel 

Block: 278 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: Pride 30/C Water Depth: 177' 

Remarks: 	 A drilling rig was being de-mobbed onto a supply workboat. The first lift with the use of the auxiliary 

(fast line) ball was the grocery box. The grocery box was lowered down to the back deck of the workboat. The roustabout unhooked the D-ring of the grocery box slings from the auxiliary ball. The 

roustabout heard a noise as he unhooked the D-ring and looked up. The counter-balance assembly 

traveled the path of the cable and struck the roustabout in the face and chest. He was air lifted to the 

hospital. 

Date: 18-SEP-96 Operator: Energy Resource Technology, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G01471 Event(s): Injury ( l ) I Fire 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 177 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: A (removed) Water Depth: 51 ' 

Remarks: 	 A pi lot received burns to his arms and to a lesser degree his legs and face due to a nash fire (< 1 

second) near an oil pump that was being started. Gas used to turn the starter came in contact with a 

failed shielded ignition device between spark plug and wire. This shielded device was either corroded 

or had vibrated loose. A cover or cowling obstructed this loose connection from view, therefore, it 

was not noticed during start-up. 

Date: 2 1-SEP-96 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: Pending Activity: Investigation Pending 

Lease: G08 15 1 Event(s): Injury (3) I Explosion I Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Investigation 

Block: 207 Cause: Investigation Pending 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 53' 

Remarks: INYESTIGATION PENDING. 

85 
Dale: 30-SEP-96 Operator: SONAT Exploration Company 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development Production 

Lease: G02038 Event(s): Injury ( I ) I Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Workover 

Block: 231 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 120' 

Remarks: 	 The wireline operator was in the process of swabbing fluid (water and condensate) into a swab tank 

through a 2-in flexible rubber/plastic hose that was placed in the open hatch and secured with rope. 

The platform operator was monitoring fluid returns; and, as he opened the swab tank halch, a flash 

fire occurred. The operator's shirt caught fire, and he ran from the swab lank, which remained on fire. 

Another platform operator extinguished the swab tank fire using two 20# chemical extinguishers. The 

injured operator sustained serious burns to his face, head, neck, and hands. He was treated onsite 

with burn packs and brought to the hospital. 

Date: 17-0CT-95 Operator: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 004996 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Production 

Block: 587 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 87' 

Remarks: The worker was crossing over a winch boom and stepped on an angle iron, slipped, and fell forward , 

hitting his right hand on the swing motor of the crane. 

Date: 24-0CT-96 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G03280 Event(s): Injury ( I ) 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 405 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall I Weather 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 90' 

Remarks: 	 Personnel were being off-loaded in the personnel basket in bad weather conditions. The basket 

caught onto an air conditioning unil causing one worker to faJI out of the basket, head first. He hit 

the back of his neck on the air conditioning unit and fell hard onto the deck of the boat. He was flown 

to the hospital for medical attention. 

86 
Date: 29-0CT-96 Operator: ORYX Energy Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl 3808 Event(s): Injury (I) I Fire 

Area: High Island Operation: Production 

Block: A 379 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platfonn: B Platform Water Depth: 360' 

Remarks: It appears that a short circuit was caused while attempting to connect test clips across the fuse holder. 

The test clip ends being large and wide shorted together or separately across phases. 

87 
Date : 03-NOV-96 Operator: BHP Petroleum (GOM) Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G09384 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Drilling 

Block: 6 1 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Diamond Ocean Spur Water Depth: 36' 

Remarks: 	 The roustabout was in the process of lubricating the top drive unit for the drilling rig. The worker 

was hoisted in a boatswains chair to perform this daily task. The third man necessary to provide a 

communication link between the person perfonning the work and the air hoist operator was not used. 

When the air hoist operator lost visual and audible communications, the accident occurred. The 

roustabout suffered a fractured vertebrae in his upper back along with severe bruising of the shoulder 

and chest area. He was immediately transported to a hospital for medical attention. 

Date: 20-NOV-96 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G09425 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 491 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Platform Water Depth: 143' 

Remarks: 	 While attempting to get off the crane after ofnoading equipment from the boat, the radiator cap failed, 

blowing hot coolant on the worker. He jumped off the crane onto the platform deck, injuring the 

heels of both feet. 

Date: 21 -NOV-96 Operator: Mesa Operating Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G04 11 0 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: South Marsh Island Operation: Production 

Block: 155 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: s Water Depth: 254' 

Remarks: 	 Injured while disconnecting lubricator and pressure suddenly released. Lubricator lifted one foot 

causing him to lose balance and fall to deck. Injuries to head, left arm, and right knee. 

88 
Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platform: 

22-NOV-96 

None 

G041IO 

So uth Marsh Island 

155 

s 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Mesa Operating Company 

Development 

Injury ( I) 

Production 

Slip, Trip, Fall 

254' 

Remarks: Contractor employee fell when he leaned against a handrail and it gave way. He fell to the walkway 

below hitting the handrail and continued to fall to the next deck. 

Date: 24-NOV-96 Operator: Amoco Productio n Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G02 193 Event(s): Inj ury (l) 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Completion 

Block: 140 Cause: Human Error I Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 165' 

Remarks: Operating tubing tongs, forgot to latch bottom. Put in gear and fell from 4' scaffold. Taken to ospital. 

Bruised knee and strained neck. Was sent home. 

Date: 27-NOV-96 Operator: Tana Oil and Gas Corporation 

Investigatio n: Complete Activity: Exploratio n 

Lease: 00 146 Event(s): Injury (3)/Blowout/Explosio n/Fire 

Area: 58 Operation: Completion 

Block: West Delta Cause: Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Marine XV Water Depth: 39' 

Remarks: 	 Prior to going into well #4 with a wireline gauging tool, it was necessary to pressure up to 2,600 psi 

to open the SSSV. After the SSSV was open, the pressure was bled down into the mud pit room, and 

an explosion immediately occurred. The SSSV was not closed thereby allowing the continuous 

feeding of the fire. The platform was evacuated, and 11 personnel were treated for injuries with 3 

requiring hospitalization. Fire boat extinguished the fire on 28 Nov 1996 at 1420 ho urs. The rig was 

boarded, and the SSSV was closed at 1600 hours. 

89 
Date: 02-DEC-96 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00386 Event(s): Injury (1 ) I Fire 

Area: South Timbalier Operation: Workover 

Block: 23 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 46' 

Remarks: An employee singed his hair when an unknown gas flashed because of his cutting torch he was using 

on a 36" flare stack piling. The employee was then taken to the hospital. 

Date: 06-DEC-96 Operator: Enron Oil & Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G06042 Evenl(s): Injury (2) 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Production 

Block: 633 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: TEMP. CAIS. B Water Depth: 72' 

Remarks: 	 While making a deck lift, the slings were not tight enough, and the deck lifted at 45 degrees on the 

cargo barge. Five men were on the cellar deck and slid down lo the barge. Two men were transported 

lo receive medical attention. 

Date: 07-DEC-96 Operator: W&T Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G04228 Event(s): Injury ( I) I Fatality ( I) I Explosion 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: P&A 

Block: 133 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Gulf Island IV/#4(removed) Water Depth: 37' 

Remarks: 	 A welder was culling bolts on a flowline flange with his blow torch when fire flashed and caught the 

welders clothes on fire. At this point, the welder was engulfed in flames. He ran lo the lifeboat and 

was extinguished with a fire a 5# dry chemical fire extinguisher. Later, one of the individuals that 

aided in the care of the injured developed chest pains, so he was also evacuated (at the same time) by 

Coast Guard helicopter al 0521 hours. The welder died. 

90 
Date: 09-DEC-96 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc 

Investigation: None Acti vity: Development 

Lease: G03543 Event(s): Inj ury ( I) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 24 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 28' 

Remarks: An employee was descending the stairway from the bunkhouse, lost his balance, and pulled a ligament 

in his right knee 

Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Block: 

Rig/Platform: 

IO-DEC-96 

Complete 

G04940 

Green Canyon 

18 

H&P 106/A 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing SE, Inc 

Development 

Injury ( I ) I Fire 

Drilling 

Design Error 

750' 

Remarks: 	 Fire ori ginated on south end cellar deck. The fire pump skid consists of 500 gal.diesel day storage 

tank located adjacent to the pump's diesel engine. The exhaust pipe from the pump engine extends 

over the fuel tank at a level below the top of the tank's overflow vent. Fuel tank overflowed through 

vent line while refuting. Diesel fuel sprayed onto the insulated engine exhaust, and, through joints 

in the insulation, the fuel contacted the engine exhaust (600-700 degrees Fahrenheit). The fire was 

extinguished within 40 minutes by personnel on the platform. 

Date: I 1-DEC-96 Operator: Cockrell Oil Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G08756 Event(s): Injury (I) I Fire 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 187 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 155' 

Remarks: 	 An employee was attempting to light glycol reboiler with faulty electrical ignitor. Employee tied a rag 

onto a piece of stainless tubing and tried to light it. However, the wind kept blowing, so he moved 

behind the inslrument panel and opened the doors to light the rag. The lighter sparked gas within the 

panel resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face and hands. No damage to panel. 

91 
Date: 15-DEC-96 Operator: Amoco Production Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G05000 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 622 Cause: Human Error/Weather 

Rig/Platform: D Platform Water Depth: 89' 

Remarks: 	 While working on Well No. D-2, an employee from the mud logging company bent over to pick up 

a wire. At that point, another employee opened the door to the mud logging unit. The wind caught 

the door and it hit the bent-over employee in the head. The employee received treatment at Port 

La Vacca Hospital. 

Date : 16-DEC-96 Operator: Enron Oil and Gas Company 

Investigation: None Acti vity: Development 

Lease: GI4103 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: Mustang Island Operation: Production 

Block: 759 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Platform Water Depth: 154' 

Remarks: 	 The operator was in the process of lighting the pilot in the reboiler. There was a back nash out of the 

tube after supplying fuel. The workman sustained burns to the front of his head and was taken to the 

hospital for treatment and then released. 

Date: 18-DEC-96 Operator: Enron Oil & Gas Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G06042 Event(s): Injury ( 1) 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Production 

Block: 633 Cause: Slip, Trip, Fall 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 77' 

Remarks: 	 The operator was tightening a bolt when the accident occurred. While pulling on a wrench, his feet 

slipped. He fell down, twisting his foot and hitting a piece of angle iron. The injured was transported 

to a medical center for treatment and then released. 

92 

Date: 30-DEC-96 Operator: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G04421 Event(s): Injury ( l) 

Area: Vennimon Operation: Drilling 

Block: 78 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Diamond Spartan Water Depth: 38' 

Remarks: An employee stepped in front of a hammer being used to free the stuck bushing in the rotary when 

it struck his left foot. 

93 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Significant Pollution Incidents - 1995 ~ 50 barrels) 

Date: 25-JAN-1995 Operator: Mesa Operating Co. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G06140 Amount(bbl): 600 - Condensate 

Area: High Island Operation: Drilling 

Block: 55 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 50' 

Remarks: A workboat struck the platform causing two condensate storage tanks on the platform to rupture. 

Date: 06-JUL-1995 Operator: Coastal Oil & Gas Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G07652 Amount(bbl): 75 - Condensate 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 2 19 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 120' 

Remarks: 	 The condensate surge vessel pump malfunctioned, which caused the surge vessel to fil l and backup 

to the production separator when the surge vessel LSH failed. The production separator carried over 

condensate to the water skimmer. The LSH on the skimmer tripped but failed to initiate a platform 

shut in. The skimmer carried over sufficient condensate to the sump tank 10 disrupt the 

condensate/water interface and displace the water level with condensate. The sump tank LSH tripped 

but also failed to shut in the platform. Condensate then carried over the sump tank through the sump 

tank water leg and into the Gulf. 

94 
Date: 03-0CT-1995 Operator: Meridian Oil Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: Gl4200 Amount(bbl): 89 - Diesel I Coll ision 

Area: High Island Operation: Motor Vessel 

Block: A 371 Cause: Weather 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Gorilla IV Water Depth: 430' 

Remarks: 	 A weather change caused the motor vessel to drift into the port leg of the rig puncturing the boat's 

fuel saddle tank spilling 89 barrels (3,722 gal) of diesel fuel into the Gulf. Due to rough weather and 

sea conditions, no attempt was made by the boat company to recover the spilled fuel. There was no 

damage to the drilling rig or the port leg, and the boat returned safely to shore. 

Date: 15-DEC- 1995 Operator: Chevron 

Investigation: Complete Acti vity: Development 

Lease: G03265 Amount(bbl): 435 - Condensate 

Area: West Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 198 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 56' 

Remarks: 	 A liquid hydrocarbon spill occurred offshore the State of Louisiana. A high-pressure separator 

was cleaned in an effort to reopen the separator's clogged water leg. Upon returning to the 

platform, the next day, the platform operator observed a spill and reported it to the MMS and the 

NRC. It was observed that liquid hydrocarbons were spilling from the platform's sump tank and that 

a ball valve on the drain line from the separator to the sump tank was not holding. The valve, which 

had been opened and closed during the previous day's cleaning of the separator, was removed, and 

the line was blind flanged. Meter readings and well tests were reviewed. 

95 
Significant Pollution Incidents - 1996 

(L 50 barrels) 

Date: 29-SEP-1996 Operator: Enserch Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G07486 Amount(bbl): I 04. 76 - Diesel 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Motor Vessel 

Block: 388 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Enserch Cooper/ A Water Depth: 2097' 

Remarks: 	 A motor vessel lost power and thruster operation while tied up to the facility. Came in contact with 

the floating drilling rig/production platform 3 times before he could get the MN released from rig 

lines. A fuel tank was ruptured resulting in a spill and loss of all power 

Date: J2-0CT-1996 Operator: Samedan Offshore Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease : GI0687 Amount(bbl): 68 - Zinc Bromide 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 362 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: B Water Depth: 276' 

Remarks: The gate valve on the mixing line failed, resulting in a 68-barrel spill of Zinc Bromide. 

Date: 3 l -DEC- 1996 Operator: Shell Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Exploration 

Lease: GI 1455 Amount(bbl): 61.9 - Hydraulic 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Construction 

Block: 128 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 705' 

Remarks: A burst hydraulic hose released hydraulic oil while driving pilings 400-ft below water during 

construction. Generated by SSCV Balder, owner Heerma Offshore Services, Inc. 

96 

Gulf of Mexico Region 


Pipeline Incidents - 1995 


Date: 23-MAR-95 Operator: Forest Oil Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G09627 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (3.0 bbls oil) 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Production 

Block: 277 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 51' 

Remarks : 	 The 6-in oil pipeline that departs the platfonn and ties into a sub-sea tie-in developed a leak. The leak 

was the resul t of a 2-in hot tap valve being ripped off from the pipeline. The sandbags that were 

placed during the valve installation were found scattered and the valve removed. The cause of this 

pollution incident is unknown but is assumed to be the result of a fishing net catching on the 

bags/valve. A skimmer arrived on location and remained on location until repairs were completed. 

Date: 08-0CT-95 Operator: Huffco Petroleum Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GO l335 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (2.0 bbls oil) 

Area: South Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 37 Cause: Hurricane damage 

Rig/Platfonn: A Water Depth: 130' 

Remarks: While conducting a pipeline hydrostatic test, 2 barrels of oil leaked into the Gulf. The damage to the 

pipeli ne was caused by Hurricane Opal. 

97 
Date: 22-0CT-95 Operator: Chevron U.S .A Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G01073 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution ( 12.5 bbls oi l) 

Area: West Delta Operation: Production 

Block: 4 1 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 83' 

Remarks: Pipeline leaks were responsible for 12.5 barrels of oil spilling into the Gulf. 

Date: 30-DEC-95 Operator: Shell Oil Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G09743 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (4.0 bbls oil) 

Area: Viosca Knoll Operation: Production 

Block: 817 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 673' 

Remarks: None 

Pipeline Incidents - 1996 

Date: Ol-FEB-96 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: GO l 228 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (2.0 bbls oil) 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Production 

Block: 208 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platform: Water Depth: IOI' 

Remarks: The pollution incident occurred when the 4" oil and gas pipeline developed a hole in the riser. 

98 
Date: l l-FEB-96 Operator: Energy Resource Technology, Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G02865 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (.8 bbls condensate) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 22 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platform: JB Water Depth: 38' 

Remarks: 	 Pollution occurred due to a possible leak in Pipeline Segment. However, subsequent pressure testing 

revealed no leaks or damage to either. The flow through the JC pipeline was initiated but the JB 

remains out of service. 

Date: 08-MAR-96 Operator: Conoco Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G03289 Event(s): Pipeline I Fire 

Area: East Cameron Operation: Production 

Block: 57 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: JB Water Depth: 52' 

Remarks: 	 A pipeline riser rupture and flash fire occurred on the 6" departing bulk gas pipeline. Analysis of the 

pipe determined that the failure was due to tensile overload consistent with creep failure. Failure due 

to gradual thinning of pipe wall from corrosion from breaches in pipe coating which ultimately caused 

the pipe to fail due to overload of the remaining wall thickness. Fire damage was limited to a charred 

floatation life ring and a charred section of the electrical cable. The pipeline pressure safety low 

(PSL) sensor actuated and isolated the well and shut off flow. 

Date: 02-APR-96 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00297 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (. 14 bbls oil) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 26 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 25' 

Remarks: An underwater pipeline developed a leak in which bubbles and a sheen was detected. 

99 
Date: 27-JUN-96 Operator: Tenneco Offshore Gathering Company 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: None Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (unknown) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 206 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platform: Rowan Gilbert Rowe Water Depth: Undetermined 

Remarks: Leak at the tie-in of a 12" pipeline and a 36" pipeline. The leak was determined to be a result of 

damage to a 2" bypass valve. The valve was apparently pulled off by a shrimp net 

Date: 10-JUL-96 Operator: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. 

ln vestigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl633 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (4.7 bbls oil) 

Area: Main Pass Operation: Production 

Block: 133 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: c Water Depth: 175' 

Remarks: 	 The operator noticed pollution near platform and called it in as a sighting. The pipeline pump began 

shipping oil through a departing pipeline. Operator then noticed an increase in the slick size and 

stopped the pipeline pump immediately. Pipeline was bled to zero, the pollution stopped, and the riser 

was repaired. The leak was too small for pressure safety low to detect. 

Date: 13-AUG-96 Operator: Unocal Exploration Corporation 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00297 Event(s): Pipeline I Pollution (.03 bbls) 

Area: Vermillion Operation: Production 

Block: 26 Cause: Leak 

Rig/Platform: A Water Depth: 25' 

Remarks: There was a 6-in underwater pipeline that was found to be leaking due to an unknown cause. 

100 
Gulf of Mexico Region 


Other Incidents - 1996 

(There were no 'Other' incidents in 1995) 

Date: 21-JAN-96 Operator: Hardy Oil & Gas USA Inc. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: G I0342 Event(s): Piping rupture I Injury (2) 

Area: Garden Banks Operation: Production 

Block: 240 Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: Diamo nd Ambassodor Water Depth: 832' 

Remarks: 	 Prio r to opening the W ell (on a 10/ 64 choke with 5,458 psi), portable test equipment piping was 

pressure tested to 4,000 psi. The manifold choke was increased to 12/ with 6, 125 psi and then again 64 

to 14/ 64. Simultaneously, the heater choke was increased from 22/ 64 to 24/M resulting in the decrease in 

heater pressure. Immediately following the above choke adjustments, an elbow in the nowline piping 

between the choke manifold and the heater ruptured. The supervisor and field tech. were both struck 

in the leg causing lacerations. The ESD activated and shut in the well at surface. 

Date: 19-JUL-96 Operator: Meridian Oil Offshore, Inc. 

Investigation: K:omplete Activity: Development 

Lease: KJ I 3821 Event(s): Crane failure 

Area: Eugene Island Operation: Production 

Block: 196 Cause: Equipment failure 

Rig/Platfonn: K: Water Depth: 96' 

Remarks: 	 The crane operator was attempting to move the boom down into position to assist the skidding of the 

rig o ver the well. While booming down, the turntable bearing case bro ke. This caused the crane to 

fall forward and the boom to strike the rig mast. The hoist cable whipped and struck the hoist 

operator causing him to fall against the rig beam but leaving him uninjured. Two chains and binders 

were attached to the crane to prevent further movement. 

IOI 
Date: 29-JUL-96 Operator: Murphy Exploration and Production Co. 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: GOl526 Event(s): Crane accident I Injury ( I) 

Area: Ship Shoal Operation: Workover 

Block: 223 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: POOL3/B Water Depth: 144' 

Remarks: 	 The crane operator was using the fast line with a nylon strap to relocate valves to the opposite side 

of the blowout preventer stack. After hooking up to the valve assembly, they motioned to the crane 

operator to pick it up slightly, but not completely off the deck. Two personnel applied leverage to 

tum the valve assembly over. There was slack in the nylon strap causing travel in the fast line ball. 

The ball struck the wind wall causing a section to fall from the rig floor, injuring a derrickhand. He 

received a compound fracture to his leg and a laceration on his shoulder. 

Date: 16-NOV-96 Operator: Murphy Exploration and Production Co. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: 00072 Event(s): Equipment Overboard 

Arca: South Pelto Operation: Production 

Block: 12 Cause: Weather 

Rig/Platform: No. 29 Water Depth: 32' 

Remarks: Seas pushed paraffin unit overboard during night. Seas 8-12', winds 30-45 kts. Unit recovered. 

Date: 08-DEC-96 Operator: Enserch Exploration, Inc. 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: G09001 Event(s): Dislodged boat landing 

Area: Matagorda Island Operation: Production 

Block: 705 Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: A Platform Water Depth: 140' 

Remarks: None 

102 
Pacific Region 


Fires - 1995 


Date: 14-Aug-1995 Operator: Torch 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0441 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Production 

Field: Pt. Pedernales Cause: Weather 

Rig/Platform: Irene Water Depth: 242' 

Remarks: 	 Normal operations with weather cord plugged into electrical outlet. Moisture from fog entered 

outlet and shorted out creating an arc and smoke. Breaker tripped and arcing stopped. 

Fires - 1996 

Date: 25-Mar-I 996 Operator: Chevron 

Investigation: None Acti vity: Development 

Lease: P02 17 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Santa Barbara Channel Operation: Production 

Field: Santa Clara Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Grace Water Depth: 31 8' 

Remarks: 	 Smoke was noticed coming from a gas turbine exhaust stack. Valves on the WHRU and on the 

heat exchange system were found to be in the correct closed position. Flames started coming out 

of the exhaust, and the fire hoses were used to cool the unit. Gas and diesel fuel supplies were 

isolated, and the process systems were shut in. There continued to be hot spots on the exterior of 

the WHRU. A water wash was done. This dropped the temperature of the WHRU after three 

cycles. Heat exchanger fluid leaking into exhaust insulation was the cause. 

103 
Date: 01-MA Y-1996 Operator: Exxon 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: POl82 Event(s): Fire I Pollution (150 bbls crude) 

Area: Santa Barabara Channel Operation: Production 

Field: Pescado Cause: Equipment Failure I Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Heritage Water Depth: 1075' 

Remarks: 	 At some time prior to May 1, 1996, the four drain valves on the pig launcher were left in the open 

position. This may have happened during the last pigging operation which occurred March 16, 

1996. On May l , 1996, Platform Harmony had a shutdown due to a faulty circuit board on the 

fire and gas system, which in turn shutdown Platform Heritage. Heritage personnel decided to test 

shutdown valves and pressure operated valves on the pipeline and other valves that require a 

complete platform shutdown in order to perform these tests. One of the valves that was function 

tested was pressure operated valve 791 -3. The operator noticed an air leak on the stem of the 

valve. He closed the valve and turned the air off. It appears that air leaked past the controller and 

reopened the valve (this valve is not a fail-safe close valve). 

Date: 05-JUL- 1996 Operator: Chevron 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P03!6 Event(s): Fire 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Production 

Field: Pt. Arguello Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Hermosa Water Depth: 603' 

Remarks: Caused by a thrust-bearing failure , which allowed the shaft of the electric motor to rub against the 

seal assembly causing friction and heat. 

104 

Pacific Region 


Injuries - 1995 


Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Field: 

Rig/Platform: 

I O-Feb-1995 

None 

P0316 

Santa Maria Basin 

Pt. Arguello 

Hermosa 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Chevron 

Development 

Injury (I) 

Production 

Slipffrip/Fall 

603' 

Remarks: Employee descending west stairway slipped on final step 

Date: 

Investigation: 

Lease: 

Area: 

Field: 

Rig/Platform: 

17-Feb-1995 

None 

P0441 

Santa Maria Basin 

Pt. Pedernales 

Irene 

Operator: 

Activity: 

Event(s): 

Operation: 

Cause: 

Water Depth: 

Torch 

Development 

Injury ( I ) 

Drilling 

Human Error 

242' 

Remarks: 	 While tripping out of hole, the drill crew was using a longer tong snubline on the breakout tongs 

to breakout drill pipe connections during the trip. The drill crew had placed their tongs on the 

drill pipe connection in preparation for breaking out the stand of heavy weight drill pipe. The 

driller mistakenly engaged the rotary table rather than the cathead operating the breakout tongs. 

The rotary table spun tightening the snubline on the breakout tongs, slapping an employee in the 

back. He sustained three broken ribs, a partially punctured lung, and a laceration of the right 

forearm. 

105 
Date: 25-Feb-1995 Operator: Torch 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0441 Event(s): Injury (1) 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Drilling 

Field: Pt. Pedemales Cause: Falling Object 

Rig/Platform: Irene Water Depth: 242' 

Remarks: 	 Pulling up shipping pump motor to service. While lowering the pump onto a motor pallet on the 

drill deck, a roustabout was giving hand signals to crane operator. An employee was trying to stab 

the mounting bolts into the motor as it was being lowered. The mounting bolts did not match up 

with the holes in the motor allowing the motor to force the bolts downward. This caused one of 

the bolts to pinch his hand between the bolt head and the drill deck. 

Date: 02-Mar-1995 Operator: Chevron 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0316 Event(s): Injury (I) 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Production 

Field: Pt. Arguello Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: Hermosa Water Depth: 603' 

Remarks: While attempting to push a steel plate back into place, he twisted his left knee. 

Date: 22-Nov-1995 Operator: Texaco 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0315 Event(s): Injury ( I) 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Workover 

Field: Pt. Arguello Cause: Slip!frip/Fall 

Rig/Platform: Harvest Water Depth: 675' 

Remarks: 	 Employee was standing pipe with another employee attempting to remove a snatch block from a 

padeye on the ceiling. While reaching overhead, his feet slipped from the pipe. The employee 

fell 4-5' until the safety lanyard stopped the fall. The jerk of the lanyard attached to his belt 

caused injury to his lower back. 

106 
Date: I 5-Dec- 1995 Operator: UNOCAL 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0216 Event(s): Inj ury (I) 

Area: Santa Barbara Channel Operation: Workover 

Field: Santa Clara Cause: Equipment Failure I Falling Object 

Rig/Platfonn: Gilda Water Depth: 205' 

Remarks: During tubing hanger dressing operatio ns, a 1/2" rope snapped allowing two 40' cables to fall to 

rig floor, striking employee on neck and shoulder. 

107 
Injuries - 1996 


Date: 02-Jan- 1996 Operator: Texaco 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0315 Event(s): Injury (I ) 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Crane Operation 

Field: Pt. Arguello Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: Harvest Water Depth: 675' 

Remarks: Person was being transferred from vessel to platfonn in personnel basket when the crane line 

slipped and the personnel basket was jerked, resulting in a fractured leg. 

108 
Pacific Region 


Significant Pollution Incidents - 1996 

(There were no "Significant Pollution Events" in 1995) 

~ 50 bbls) 

Date: Ol-MAY-96 Operator: Exxon Corporation 

Investigation: Complete Activity: Development 

Lease: P00 182 Event(s): Pollution ( 150 bbls crude) I Fire 

Area: Santa Barbara Channel Operation: Production 

Field: Pescado Cause: Human Error I Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platform: Heritage Water Depth: 1,075' 

Remarks: 	 At some time prior to May I, 1996, the four drain valves on the pig launcher were left in the open 

position. This may have happened during the last pigging operation, which occurred March 16, 

1996. On May I , 1996, Platform Hannony had a shutdown due to a faulty circuit board on the 

fire and gas system, which in tum shutdown Platform Heritage. Heritage personnel decided to test 

shutdown valves and pressure operated valves on the pipeline and other valves that require a 

complete platform shutdown in order to perform these tests. One of the valves that was function 

tested was pressure operated valve 79 1-3. The operator noticed an air leak on the stem of the 

valve. He closed the valve and turned the air off. It appears that air leaked past the controller and 

reopened the valve (this valve is not a fail-safe close valve). 

109 
Pacific Region 


Other Incidents - 1995 


Date: 28-Jan-1995 Operator: Torch 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0441 Event(s): Crane Incident 

Area: Santa Maria Basin Operation: Crane Operation 

Field: Pt. Pedernales Cause: Equipment Failure 

Rig/Platfonn: Irene Water Depth: 242' 

Remarks: Lifting slings slipped off load being moved by crane. 

Other Incidents - 1996 

Operator came to platform from another platform and began operating crane. Picked up mud 

Date: 06-Aug-1996 Operator: Torch 

Investigation: None Activity: Development 

Lease: P0241 Event(s): Crane Incident 

Area: Santa Barbara Channel Operation: Drilling 

Field: Dos Cuadras Cause: Human Error 

Rig/Platform: HC" Water Depth: 192' 

Remarks: 

logging lab and he was lowering it to the dri ll deck. While lowering it, he did not engage the fast 

break line before disengaging fast line clutch. This resulted in the lab free falling -13" to deck. 

I IO 
Pacific Region 


During 1995 - 1996, there were no blowouts, collisions, 

explosions, fatalities, or pipeline incidents reported to 

MMS in the Pacific Region. 

111 
Appendix 


Graphical Summary 


of 


OCS Incident Data 


1995-1996 

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' '///////////////////////////////////////. 

L-'V X!puaddv 
Causes of OCS Injuries 1995-1996 


Equipment Failure 

22% 

Human Error 

'////. 

'/////////////// //////////////////. 

!//////////// ///// //////////////////, 

'////////////////////////////////////. 

'/////////////////////////////////////, 

'//////////////////////////////////////, 

'/////////// ////////////////////////////, 

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'/////////////////////////////////////////////, 

'///////////////////////////////////// //////. 

. '/////////////////////////////////////////. 

Weather 

2% 

37% 

Other 

5% 

Slip Trip Fall 

34% 

Appendix A-8 
Total OCS Incidents/Causes 1995-1996 

80 


70 


fl.) 60 ~ 

(.J 

= 

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= 50 ..... 

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~ 

Blowouts Collisions Explosions Fires Fatalities Injuries 


Events 


~~u-____ ip t - - Fa- ____- - ­ ilure EJ/_ Human Error D Weather D Slip Trip Fall •0th

Appendix A-9 
Summary of OCS Incident Causes 1995-1996 


140 

120 ~ 

= 

~ 100 

·­tJ 

1-C =

~ 

= "'­

~ 

~ 

e 

= z 

Equipment 

Failure Human 

Error Weather 

Slip Trip Other Fall 

Causes of Incidents 

Appendix A-10