Severe weather poses risks for ships in Gulf of Mexico, highlighted by recent accident

The National Transportation Safety Board released a statement on Wednesday reporting on an incident involving the L/B Robert, a jack-up vessel in the Gulf of Mexico that was affected by hurricane-force winds and high waves in November 2022. The crew had evacuated the lift boat two days before the incident due to forecast adverse weather conditions, leaving the vessel unattended. Fortunately, no injuries or pollution were reported, but estimated damage to the ship and cargo was $6.9 million.

The investigation found that the vessel encountered waves exceeding its operational limits, resulting in deterioration of the seabed foundation around its legs. This led to the ship tipping to port and sinking. The incident highlights the potential risks faced by jack-up vessels in adverse weather conditions and the importance of accurate weather forecasts and adherence to operational limits to ensure the safety of vessels’ crews.

SEACOR Marine, the company that operated the L/B Robert, also operated the SEACOR Power, which capsized in 2021, resulting in 13 deaths. The NTSB issued safety recommendations to the company, focusing on timely and accurate weather forecasts, compliance with operating limits, and revisions to operating manuals to improve safety protocols in extreme weather conditions. By March 2023, SEACOR Marine had implemented all three safety recommendations.

Source .