BSEE releases report on Gulf of Mexico platform fire and explosion

Offshore staff

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has released its panel investigation report into the Nov. 16, 2012, explosion and fire that occurred on a platform operated by Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, resulting in three fatalities, multiple injuries, and the discharge of pollutants into the US Gulf of Mexico.

The investigation panel found that these deaths were caused by Black Elk and contractors retained by Black Elk.

The panel recommended that operators of manned offshore facilities conduct safety stand-down procedures, and it also requested that the American Petroleum Institute assist BSEE in issuing safety standards for “hot work” that are consistent with the industry’s best practices.

11/06/2013