Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Ocean Ranger, O.N. 615641, Capsizing and Sinking in the Atlantic Ocean, on 15 February 1982 with Multiple Loss of Life.

• Other Authors: COAST GUARD WASHINGTON DC
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1983
• Subjects: Safety Engineering; Life Support Systems; Escape; Rescue and Survival; *Accident investigations; *Offshore drilling; *Drilling machines; *Sinking; Atlantic Ocean; Adverse conditions; Failure; Emergencies; Evacuation; Casualties; Hypothermia; Lead time; Life rafts; Exposure suits; Lifeboats; Launching; Life saving; Requirements; Specifications; Standards; Coast Guard; MODU(Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit); Capsizing; Ocean ranger; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA140910; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA140910

At approximately 0052, 15 February 1982, the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Ocean Ranger, during a severe storm, commenced transmitting distress calls which indicated that the crew was abandoning ship. At or about 0307, 15 February 1982, the OCEAN RANGER capsized and sank in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 166 miles east of St. John's, Newfoundland in about 260 feet of water. Inspite of the extensive rescue efforts of numerous vessels and aircraft, none of the 84 crew members survived. Contributing causes to the casualty include the severe storm; the lack of written casualty control procedures; the inadequate ballast system pump and piping design and arrangement for dewatering at excessive heel or trim angles; and the lack of a chain locker flooding alarm. Contributing causes to the loss of life include the adverse weather; the lack of exposure suits; the inadequate launching systems for the lifeboats; the ineffectiveness of the life rafts; and the apparent failure of rig personnel to allow sufficient lead time for evacuation. Twenty-two bodies were recovered between 15 February 1982 and 24 February 1982. This report contains the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Report and the Action taken by the Commandant to determine the proximate cause of the casualty and provide a response to the recommendations to prevent recurrence. The Commandant has concurred with the Board that the proximate cause of the casualty is the failure of the ballast control room portlight(s). The Coast Guard is working on changes to various regulations concerning lifesaving equipment, emergency procedures and manning standards on board MODUs. (Author)