Safety Gaps Highlighted After Deadly Electric Shock on Offshore Ship

A non-qualified engineer lost their life due to an electric shock while attempting to fix a mud pump system in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The tragic incident occurred on October 14, 2023, when the engineer was found in the engine compartment next to an open high-voltage panel. Despite immediate emergency response and first aid efforts, the engineer passed away from the injuries sustained during the accident.

The US Coast Guard Investigation revealed several factors contributing to the fatal outcome. The primary cause was a suspected material failure in the mud pump system, accompanied by critical security deficiencies. These included the lack of qualifications of the engineer, non-compliance with corporate procedures, absence of emergency stop indicators, and the absence of locking devices on high voltage equipment. These lapses in safety protocols resulted in the engineer’s unauthorized access to energized electrical devices.

Following the incident, the owners and operators of the vessel ‘Red Deer’, Adriatic Marine LLC, conducted a fleet-wide safety stand-down to emphasize the importance of communication, adherence to security guidelines, and strict safety procedures. While the investigation did not reveal criminal acts or violations, it underscored the necessity of proper training, qualifications, and adherence to safety protocols in maritime operations, especially when dealing with high-voltage electrical systems. The full US Coast Guard report on the incident is available for further details.

Source