Investigation Report

Subsea Gas Release During Hot Tapping for Well Abandonment

BSEEBureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

05-27-2009 12:00 G22620 VR/122 Other - Underwater Gas Release

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Summary

Investigates a subsea gas release during hot tapping for abandonment of a hurricane-toppled well. A diver inadvertently cut production tubing with a hydraulic hole-saw after concerns about cutting depth were overridden. The report examines supervision and stop-work failures, describes subsequent well-killing operations, and records no injuries or liquid hydrocarbon discharges.

Topics

About This Record
Original title
05-27-2009 12:00 G22620 VR/122 Other - Underwater Gas Release
Publisher
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Type
Investigation Report
Date
Unknown
Topic
Human Factors, Hydrocarbon Release, Well Control, Well Integrity
Activity
Diving Operations, Well Abandonment
Equipment
Process Pipework and Pipelines
Control
Emergency Response, Operational Supervision, Stop-Work Authority
Sector
Upstream Oil and Gas
Setting
Subsea
Link
Checked , working
Record
bsee-dbea090982 · added 2 October 2026

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