The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said May 20 it has formed a panel to investigate a fatality that happened May 15 on the Fieldwood Energy-operated Platform #14 in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico's Eugene Island Block 158.
Fieldwood on May 15 confirmed the fatality involving a contractor occurred during a nonemergency casing pressure test on a shut-in well. “No other personnel were injured and the shut-in well remains secure and poses no threat of environmental harm,” Fieldwood said in the news release. “Details of the incident are still being established and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.”
BSEE said a team of its investigators, inspectors and engineers will review information provided by Fieldwood as well as contract employees, witnesses and subject matter experts and will analyze evidence from forensic testing. A report will be issued on the findings along with recommendations on how to strengthen safety measures.
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the worker’s family and friends,” said BSEE Gulf of Mexico Regional Director Lars Herbst. “We are assembling a panel of experts who will conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident. We are committed to a complete investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to identify approaches that will enhance the safety of future operations.”
Recommended Reading
E&P Highlights: Sept. 16, 2024
2024-09-16 - Here’s a roundup of the latest E&P headlines, with an update on Hurricane Francine and a major contract between Saipem and QatarEnergy.
Interoil to Boost Production in Ecopetrol Fields
2024-09-03 - Interoil will reopen shut-in wells at three onshore fields, which are under contract by Ecopetrol.
Chevron Boosts Oil, NatGas Recovery in Gulf of Mexico
2024-09-03 - Chevron’s Jack/St. Malo and Tahiti facilities have produced 400 MMboe and 500 MMboe, respectively.
CNOOC Makes Ultra-deepwater Discovery in the Pearl River Mouth Basin
2024-09-11 - CNOOC drilled a natural gas well in the ultra-deepwater area of the Liwan 4-1 structure in the Pearl River Mouth Basin. The well marks the first major breakthrough in China’s ultra-deepwater carbonate exploration.
Seadrill to Adopt Oil States’ Offshore MPD Technology
2024-09-17 - As part of their collaboration, Seadrill will be adopting Oil States International’s managed pressure drilling integrated riser joints in its offshore drilling operations.