Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
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Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 014
November 27, 1974
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Fire--Capsized Barge Ruptures Gas Line
A fire on an offshore production platform was caused recently by an overturned wireline barge puncturing a gas line.
The barge had been jacked up near the structure where capsizing occurred. Heavy weather moved the barge against the structure where a high-pressure gas pipeline was located. The pipeline was ruptured and ignition occurred.
The safety system actuated to prevent further gas from entering the line. The line was bled off and the fire extinguished. There were no injuries to personnel or serious pollution, although the auxiliary equipment on the platform sustained moderate damage.
To prevent recurrence of this type of accident, the operator is designating certain areas in the vicinity of structures as safe locations for jack-up rigs; and in the event a similar situation occurs where an object poses a threat of colliding with a structure, operations will be suspended and the facilities placed in a safe condition.,
[signature] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area