PSA Investigates Incident on DSV Skandi Arctic in North Sea

An investigation has been launched by the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway into a serious incident on diving support vessel Skandi Arctic on 22 June 2013.

The incident occurred during a manned subsea operation (MUO) on the Alvheim field in the North Sea, operated by Marathon Oil Norge AS. Diving contractor Technip Norge was responsible for the MUO.

A three-strong diving team was due to be transported in a diving bell to the workplace on the seabed in about 110 metres of water.

While being handled in the DSV’s moonpool, the bell suffered an uncontrolled drop of several metres. Its main umbilical was ripped loose in this fall.

Gas began escaping from the bell, but the divers quickly managed to shut all the valves and halt the leak. A continued drop in pressure could have had fatal consequences for them.

No personal injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Investigation

The PSA takes a very serious view of this incident, and has initiated an investigation. A team of investigators from the regulator has already been on board Skandi Arctic.

Clarifying the course of events and identifying both direct and underlying causes are among the objectives of this investigation.

[mappress]
Press Release, June 28, 2013; Image: Technip