The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) is responding to a report of a fatality at Hilcorp Energy Company's West Cameron Block 643 Platform A, a natural gas production platform approximately 129 miles offshore Louisiana, south of Lake Charles, in about 375 feet of water. The platform has not been in production since 2008 and operations to plug and abandon its wells were underway. According to the company's report, at approximately 4:00 a.m., an employee of Alliance Oilfield Services working for Hilcorp was assisting in abandonment operations when he fell through a deck opening.
The victim was assisted by first responders on the platform, then med-evaced by helicopter for emergency medical attention. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
BOEMRE inspectors attempted to fly to the platform this morning, but were unable to reach the site due to fog. They will attempt to fly to the facility again tomorrow to conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident.
"This was a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased employee, as well as his friends and colleagues. This tragic accident underscores why we are fully committed to working with the industry to ensure the highest safety standards on offshore facilities," said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich.