The details are few and investigation is ongoing, but for the family of an unidentified man, life will never be the same.
In the early morning hours of August 16, workers on a shallow-water oil and gas production platform in the Gulf of Mexico were transferring a heaving piece of equipment from the platform to a workboat. Suddenly the crane collapsed, triggering a tragic series of events that resulted in the death of one worker.
What happened? That is the question The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) and the worker’s employer, Energy Resource Technology, are trying to answer. However, the operator’s report filed with the BOEMRE may provide clues critical to the investigation.
According to the report, the boom hoist cable apparently failed. This failure led to the crane buckling and, eventually, to the worker receiving a fatal blow.
On August 16, a tragic event unfolded on a shallow-water oil and gas production platform located in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the death of a worker. The exact identity of the worker remains unidentified, leaving their family to grapple with the devastating consequences of this incident.
Sequence of Events
Early Morning Operations:
In the early hours, workers were involved in transferring a heaving piece of equipment from the platform to a workboat. This activity is common in offshore operations, where heavy machinery and tools must often be moved to support ongoing projects.
Crane Collapse:
During this transfer, the crane that was being used suddenly collapsed. The specific circumstances leading to this failure are currently under investigation.
Fatal Incident:
The collapse triggered a series of unfortunate events, culminating in the worker being struck by equipment as the crane buckled. The impact from the falling equipment resulted in fatal injuries to the worker.
Investigation Process Authorities Involved:
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) has taken charge of the investigation into this incident. This agency is responsible for regulating offshore energy resources and ensuring safety standards are met.
The worker’s employer, Energy Resource Technology, is also cooperating with the investigation. Their input is crucial in understanding the context of the incident and the operational protocols in place at the time.
Operator’s Report:
An operator’s report that was filed with BOEMRE is a critical component of the investigation. This report offers preliminary insights into the factors leading to the crane’s failure.
According to the report, the boom hoist cable, which is integral to the crane’s operation, apparently failed. Such cables are designed to support heavy loads, and any failure can have catastrophic consequences.
Technical Details of the Incident
Crane Mechanisms:
Cranes used in offshore operations are typically designed to lift substantial weights and are equipped with safety mechanisms to prevent accidents. The boom hoist cable is responsible for raising and lowering the boom of the crane. When this cable fails, it compromises the crane’s stability.
Buckling of the Crane:
Following the cable failure, the crane began to buckle. This means that the crane’s structure could no longer support the load it was handling, leading to a loss of control. The buckling effect can occur rapidly, and the sudden change in stability poses severe risks to nearby workers.
Human Impact
Impact on the Family:
The worker’s family faces an unimaginable loss, as the details of the incident indicate that their loved one was involved in a routine operation when the tragedy struck. The psychological and emotional toll on the family is profound, and their lives will be irrevocably changed.
Broader Implications:
This incident raises significant concerns regarding safety protocols and operational standards in offshore drilling and production environments. It emphasizes the need for rigorous maintenance of equipment and adherence to safety procedures to prevent future occurrences.
Legal Protection for Workers and Their Families
Offshore work, by nature, is dangerous and can be deadly. However, Federal maritime law provides legal protection for offshore workers when negligence causes serious injury, disability or even death. For example, under the Jones Act, employees may have the right to pursue maximum compensation for losses such as:
- Diminished physical capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Medical Expenses
- Lost income and lessened earning capacity
- Inability to provide household services
For families who lose loved ones due to fatal maritime accidents, compensation may be available under the Death on the High Seas Act. If a worker is killed beyond three nautical miles from the shore, parents, spouses, children and/or other dependents may have the right to pursue a legal claim.
Following a maritime workplace accident, injured workers or grieving families may choose to consult with an experienced offshore rig injury attorney. By doing so, they will learn what their rights are and what legal options are available. If a claim is initiated, the attorney will work to uncover the causes of the accident and hold negligent parties accountable for putting employees at risk.
Overview of Offshore Work Risks
Inherent Dangers:
Offshore work is characterized by its inherently dangerous nature, with various risks that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Workers often operate heavy machinery, deal with hazardous materials, and are exposed to unpredictable weather conditions.
Federal Maritime Law Protections
Negligence and Liability:
Federal maritime law plays a critical role in providing legal protections for offshore workers, especially in cases where negligence leads to injury or death. These laws establish the rights of employees and outline the responsibilities of employers to ensure a safe working environment.
The Jones Act:
One of the key pieces of legislation is the Jones Act, which allows maritime workers to seek compensation for various types of losses resulting from employer negligence. Under this act, employees have the right to pursue claims for:
Type of Loss Description
Diminished Physical Capacity Loss of physical abilities affecting daily activities and work.
Pain and Suffering Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced.
Mental Anguish Emotional distress resulting from the injury or accident.
Disfigurement Compensation for permanent changes to appearance due to injury.
Medical Expenses Costs related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost Income Compensation for wages lost during recovery and future earning capacity.
Inability to Provide Household Services Loss of ability to perform domestic tasks, impacting family dynamics.
Compensation for Fatal Maritime Accidents
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA):
For families who suffer the loss of a loved one due to maritime accidents, compensation may be available through the Death on the High Seas Act. This act provides a legal framework for family members to pursue claims in cases of wrongful death occurring beyond three nautical miles from shore.
Eligible Claimants:
Under DOHSA, various family members may have the right to file a legal claim, including:
Parents
Spouses
Children
Other dependents
These claims aim to provide financial support to families affected by the loss of income and emotional suffering due to the death of a family member.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Consultation with Attorneys:
Following a maritime accident, injured workers or grieving families may wish to consult with an experienced offshore rig injury attorney. Legal professionals specializing in maritime law can offer valuable insights into the rights and legal options available to affected individuals.
Understanding Rights and Legal Options:
An attorney can help clients understand their rights under maritime law and guide them through the claims process. This includes:
Investigating the Incident: The attorney will work to uncover the causes of the accident, gathering evidence and witness statements to build a strong case.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable: The attorney will pursue claims against employers or other parties whose negligence contributed to the injury or death, seeking maximum compensation for the affected individuals and their families.
Source:
- Boemre Confirms Platform Fatality
