Investigation Report
Drift-Off and Emergency Disconnection During Well Completion
04-03-2013 08:38 G18421 GC / 683 Pollution / Emergency Disconnect / Drift Off
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionLoss of containmentLoss of station keeping
- Emergency responsePollution reporting
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
This investigation examines the Discoverer Spirit’s drift-off during well completion operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Rapid changes in thunderstorm winds exceeded the thrusters’ ability to maintain position, prompting emergency disconnection. Subsequent investigation confirmed a release of 938 barrels of zinc bromide/calcium bromide fluid. An ROV surveyed the well’s security.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Loss of station keeping; drive-off; drift-off.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Pollution reporting.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.