NTSB Board Meeting to Consider Fatal Pipeline Strike and Fire Aboard Dredger Waymon Boyd

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will hold a virtual public board meeting next month to consider the draft final report for the pipeline strike and subsequent deadly explosion and fire aboard the dredging vessel Waymon Boyd.

The Waymon Boyd struck a submerged 16-inch hazardous liquid propane pipeline during dredging operations in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 21, 2020. A geyser of propane gas and water erupted adjacent to the vessel. Shortly after, propane gas engulfed the dredge and an explosion occurred, resulting in a fire that damaged the vessel and surrounding shoreline.

A total of 18 personnel employed by Orion Marine Group were working or resting on the dredge and assist boats on the day of the accident. Three crewmembers aboard the Waymon Boyd and one on an adjacent anchor barge died in the explosion and fire. Six crewmembers aboard the dredge were injured, one of whom later died from his injuries.

The Waymon Boyd, valued at $9.48 million, was a total loss. The cost of pipeline damage was $2.09 million. 

(?Pre-accident photo of dredge vessel Waymon Boyd. Photo courtesy of Orion Marine Group)???

During the meeting, the NTSB members will vote on investigators’ findings and recommendations as well as any changes to the draft report.

Due to federal and local social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, board meeting for the event will be webcast to the public, with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. There will be no physical gathering to facilitate the board meeting.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern.

A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/.