Worker dies on drillship in Gulf of Mexico

An offshore worker died aboard a Chevron-operated drillship in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.

According to Reuters, the incident happened aboard the Pacific Santa Ana drillship. The news agency has quoted Chevron as saying that an investigation has been initiated into the cause behind the accident.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on Tuesday responded to a report of a fatality on the drillship in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 200 miles south of Lake Charles, LA, in 4,800 feet of water where it was beginning drilling operations for Chevron.

According to BSEE’s statement, BSEE and U. S. Coast Guard inspectors traveled to the drillship on Tuesday afternoon and have begun collecting evidence and taking statements. The incident will be investigated by both BSEE and the U. S. Coast Guard.

The drillship, built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, is owned by Pacific Drilling drilling contractor. The vessel is currently located around 320 kilometers offshore Louisiana.

Offshore Energy Today has reached out to Chevron, Pacific Drilling, and the U.S. Bureau Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, seeking more information. We will update the article should we get a response.

Update

In an e-mail to Offshore Energy Today, Pacific Drilling said: “Pacific Drilling confirms that on October 20, 2015, an employee was fatally injured on board the Pacific Santa Ana while the drillship was operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

“We are actively addressing the needs of his family and the affected employees,” Pacific Drilling said.

According to the offshore drilling contractor, there are no other injuries, operations on the drillship have been shut down, and there has been no environmental impact.

The cause of the incident is being investigated, said the company.

The article has been amended to include statements by the BSEE and Pacific Drilling. 

Offshore Energy Today Staff