The US Coast Guard announced it has initiated a formal investigation on the fatal incident that occurred onboard Shell’s offshore production platform ‘Auger’, on 30 June 2019.
Rear Adm. John Nadeau, who recently took command of the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans, convened a formal investigation last week for the incident.
A Shell employee and a contractor with oilfield services provider Danos Inc, were killed during a routine test of a lifeboat launch and retrieval capabilities at the platform.
Another worker suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was transferred at a nearby hospital.
The Auger is located 210 miles southwest of New Orleans and is responsible for the production of oil.
The Coast Guard is committed to finding the facts that led to this tragedy. Our intent is to ensure the safety and security of the personnel who work on these facilities and to reduce the likelihood that any similar incidents could occur in the future,
…said Nadeau.
Following the incident, the USCG recommended that all owners, operators, and masters immediately complete the following:
- Review the company’s maintenance procedures for lifeboats and ensure they adhere to manufacture criteria for the model and make of lifeboats, davits, and other installed lifesaving equipment.
- Take a proactive approach to ensure your personnel are properly trained in the inspection, maintenance and use of their lifesaving equipment.
The Coast Guard’s Eighth District is responsible for ensuring that firefighting, life-saving and stability systems are operational onboard oil production facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.
