|
Singapore registered offshore support vessel Britoil 22 was grounded off the coast of Western Australia due to deficiencies in the presentation of survey data, poor communications and a lack of clear procedures, according to a report issued today by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
The ATSB report found that on the morning of 18 November 1998, the oil-rig support vessel Britoil 22 was engaged in an offshore construction operation off the coast of Western Australia. As part of the operation, Britoil 22 had been directed to recover a construction barge's anchor in shallow water when it struck a submerged object. A hole was punched through the vessel's hull into the engine room, which partially flooded.
At the time of the incident, Britoil 22 was working as a support vessel on the Varanus Island Pipelines Project. The project involved the construction of a new undersea natural gas pipeline from the mainland to Varanus Island.
The report stated that the vessel was operating under adverse environmental conditions in an area of shallow water known to contain numerous hazards.
Britoil 22's crew responded quickly to the emergency, controlling the flooding by using all of their available bilge pumps. The vessel proceeded safely back to port after the crew and a diver had used wooden plugs and quick setting cement to plug the hole.
The report states the vessel may have grounded on an uncharted coral head or landed on the anchor that it had been sent to recover. In either case the vessel's crew were operating in the area without being provided with sufficient knowledge of the dangers, and without proper procedures or guidelines.
The report highlights the dangers associated with off-shore oil operations and the need to adhere strictly to safe working practices.
Copies of the report can be obtained from the Marine Incident Investigation Unit, PO Box 967, Civic Square, ACT 2608, telephone: 02 6274 6088. Reports may be down-loaded from, www.atsb.gov.au/marine/index.aspx
Media Contact: Brett Bayly (Director): (02) 6274 7522
|
