Investigation Report
Emergency Riser Disconnect and Drilling Mud Release During Drilling
03-20-2006 08:22 G17003 WR/544 Pollution - Riser Disconnect
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionLoss of containmentLoss of station keepingMechanical failure
- DrillingDynamic positioning
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Operating and work procedures
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
Investigation of an emergency riser disconnect during drilling on Diamond Ocean Confidence. High winds, currents and engine unavailability increased dynamic-positioning power demand. Approximately 218 barrels of synthetic-based mud entered the Gulf of Mexico. Subsequent engine trips caused blackout and drifting; manual restarts restored station keeping. No injuries or fatalities occurred.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Loss of station keeping; drive-off; drift-off.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Dynamic positioning; DP; DP operations.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.