Reduced maneuverability caused tanker collision with rig, says NTSB

Offshore staff

WASHINGTON, D.C –The US National Transportation Safety Board has concluded that the May 2012 collision of the FR8 Prideoil tanks and the Rowan EXL 1 jackup drilling rig was caused when the tanker’s main engine failed, causing reduced maneuverability.

The incident, just offshore Aransas Pass, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico, resulted in $14-15 million in damage to the rig and $2 million damage to the tanker, estimates the NTSB. No injuries were reported. Minor environmental impact was found.

The sudden slowing of the main propulsion engine in response to a racked cooling jacket caused the electronic controls to activate. The steering ability was reduced and the tanker swung out of the channel and collided with the drilling rig. The rig was under tow at the time.

8/15/2013