BSEE Panel to Investigate Fatal Accident on Offshore Platform in Gulf of Mexico

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has established a panel to investigate the death of a worker at a Gulf of Mexico offshore platform earlier this month.

The accident occurred May 15, 2021, at Eugene Island Block 158, Platform #14, which is operated by Fieldwood Energy. As reported by the company, the accident occurred during a non-emergency casing pressure test on a shut-in well. No other personnel were injured and there was no threat to the environment.

The platform is located about 125 miles southwest of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico. 

“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.”

A team of BSEE investigators, inspectors, and engineers will review information provided through operator, contract employees, witnesses, and subject matter expert interviews.  Investigators will also analyze any evidence from forensic testing.

The panel will issue a report with its findings regarding the causes and make recommendations on how to strengthen existing safety measures once the investigation is completed.

“Panel Investigations are critical in ensuring BSEE determines the cause, or causes, of an incident and develops recommendations for the offshore energy industry,” Herbst said.

BSEE’s National Investigations Program is administered by its Safety and Incident Investigations Division in Washington, D.C.

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