The National Transportation Safety Board has released an investigative report on the September, 2019 incident when the lift boat Kristin Faye overturned while operating in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident occurred while the lift boat was elevated above the water to perform work at the Platform AQ. All three crew members were forced to abandon the vessel. At the time the boat was located 18 miles east of Venice, Louisiana.
The NTSB’s report indicated the likely cause of the incident:
Because the Kristin Faye overturned in less than a minute, it is likely that the seabed below the port leg became unstable, causing the leg to settle very quickly in what is known as a “punch through” in the industry. This caused the liftboat to lean over despite the effort of the captain to raise (retract) the other two legs.
The report also blamed the company:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the overturning of the liftboat Kristin Faye was the company’s inadequate preload procedure that did not account for crane movements or the planned loads (weights) to be lifted, resulting in a “punch through” of one of the vessel’s three legs.
The report also recommended:
Prior to jacking up to expected operating height and commencing operations, liftboat operators should conduct preload tests, with the hull close to the water, that simulate all planned operational loads.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime injury and wrongful death litigation in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. We have handled numerous cases involving injuries that occurred on lift boats. The experienced vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a maritime accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.