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Gulf of Mexico Region

Spills ≥ 50 Barrels (2,100 gallons) – 1981

February 15, 1981 (18 days) - Ocean Production Company/ODECO

Pollution: 58 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Production
Rig:
Platform:		 Sunken Oil Barge
(SOB) Platform		 Lease: N/A
Area:
Block:		 Ship Shoal
114		 Cause: Equipment Failure & Human Error: SOB & disregarded SOP
Distance to Shore: 13 Miles Water Depth: 54 Feet
Other Events: Fire

Remarks: The submerged oil barge (SOB) platform tipped over on its side at about a 60 degree angle causing an explosion and fire. The SOB remained capsized for 18 days. The accident resulted in two minor injuries. Inaccurate gauging of oil in the storage tanks caused a reduction in total ballast. Response: workboated pumped water on the fire; 45 bbl recovered by Fast Response Units. Spillage estimated at 55-58 bbl; the SOB platform was righted on February 19, 1981.

April 6, 1981 - Conoco, Inc.

Pollution: 210 bbl Mineral Oil Operation: Drilling
Rig:
Platform:		 Rig Nicklos #30
Platform B		 Lease: G02353
Area:
Block:		 High Island
110		 Cause: Equipment Failure: tank ruptured
Distance to Shore: 19 Miles Water Depth: 49 Feet

Remarks: A 210 bbl mud tank ruptured and spilled mineral oil into the Gulf.

August 5, 1981 - USS Holdings Company/ODECO/Murphy

Pollution: 80 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Pipeline
Rig/Platform: Platform E Lease: N/A
Area:
Block:		 Ship Shoal
118		 Cause: Leak: external corrosion and/or metal fatigue
Distance to Shore: 16 Miles Water Depth: 54 Feet
Pipeline Segment: 05480 Pipeline Diameter: 4 Inches

Remarks: The 4" submerged pipeline from E platform to submerged oil barge (SOB) header ruptured 550' from platform. Estimated spillage 80-100 bbl, caused by external corrosion and/or metal fatigue. Response: replaced 100' section of pipe.

August 19, 1981 - Conoco, Inc.

Pollution: 50 bbl Diesel Operation: Drilling & Motor Vessel
Rig:

Platform:		 Rig Zapata Concord (semisub)
Well 1		 Lease: G04498
Area:
Block:		 Viosca Knoll
864		 Cause: Equipment Failure: transfer hose
Distance to Shore: 16 Miles Water Depth: 350 Feet
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. While offloading diesel fuel from the M/V "Gulf Fleet No. 38, the section of fuel hose underwater burst and diesel was pumped into the Gulf until a slick was noticed. Response: the hose was replaced.

November 28, 1981 (1 day) - Gulf Oil Corporation Corporation

Pollution: 64 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Completion or Workover
Rig:
Platform:		 Rig Marlin 10
Platform A, Well A-8		 Lease: G02445
Area:
Block:		 Viosca Knoll
900		 Cause: Not Identified
Distance to Shore: 21 Miles Water Depth: 340 Feet
Other Events: Loss of Well Control

Remarks: Blowout, gas, oil. While attempting to go into the hole, bridge was hit at 7,651'. Kick occurred while removing pipe. Response: the blowout preventors were activated; closed pipe rams, could could not install safety valve, the force of the escaping fluids and gas were too great; the platform was shut in and evacuated; and pumped down annulus, installed a full opening safety valve.

December 11, 1981 - Atlantic Richfield Company/Shell

Pollution: 5,100 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Pipeline & Motor Vessel
Rig/Platform: Platform A Lease: G01608
Area:
Block:		 South Pass
60		 Cause: External Damage: anchor
Distance to Shore: 4 Miles Water Depth: 190 Feet
Pipeline Segment: 04715 Pipeline Diameter: 8 Inches
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: Service vessel, M/V "Ocean Dolphin"'s anchor caught on an obstruction on Friday night. Attempts to dislodge anchor failed and the anchor chain had to be cut. The next morning, a slick was observed. It was determined to be the submerged 8" oil pipeline from ARCO's SP60 "A" structure to Shell's SP70 "C" platform. Response: replaced riser and 80' section of pipe. Estimated spillage 5,000 - 5,141 bbl.

 

Last Updated: 09/17/10, 05:08 PM