Marine Accident Report

Fire on Board the
U.S. MODU ROWAN ODESSA
Gulf of Mexico
December 1, 1994

NTSB Number MBR-96/01
NTIS Number PB96-917007
PDF Document (347K)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Abstract: This brief report explains the accident that resulted when workers struck and ruptured a submerged natural gas pipeline while positioning a mobile offshore drilling unit, the ROWAN ODESSA, in the Gulf of Mexico. Escaping gas ignited, engulfing the drilling rig in flames. The rig manager remains missing and is presumed dead. Damages to the drilling unit and the pipeline were estimated at $13 million. As a result of its investigation of this accident, the Safety Board made one new safety recommendation and reiterated one safety recommendation to the U.S. Coast Guard.