Bell Atlantic News

Intelsat S.A., a satellite services provider, announced that its board of directors has elected John W. Diercksen to serve on the board as an independent director effective today. Mr. Diercksen will also serve on the Audit Committee. Mr. Diercksen is currently an executive vice president of Verizon Communications, with responsibility for key strategic initiatives related to the review and assessment of potential mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. At Verizon, he previously held the position of executive vice president…

Court documents suggest fatigue played a critical role in an accident aboard a Navy submarine in which 10 pounds of mercury were spilled into San Diego Bay. In September, the Navy said the cost to clean up the spill was $1.78 million. The accident aboard rescue vehicle Mystic occurred at 7 a.m. on July 1, 1996, at North Island Naval Air Station, when a technician inadvertently opened a valve on the emergency ballast system during daily maintenance. Testimony during the court martial showed fatigue probably contributed to the error. For months leading up to the accident, the sub's crew worked 12 to 20 hours a day, with a day off every two or three weeks, in an effort to get the sub ready for duty.