Statement from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) today confirmed that agency personnel responded on August 16 to a report of a fatality at Energy Resource Technology's High Island (HI) Block A557 Platform A. This is an oil and gas production platform approximately 75 miles offshore Texas, in about 224 feet of water.

According to the operator's report, an incident occurred early on the morning of August 16 during a crane lift in which a large piece of equipment was being loaded from the platform to a workboat. An apparent failure of the boom hoist cable led to a collapse of the crane, which set off a series of events in which the crane's harness struck and fatally wounded an employee. There was no production ongoing at the time of the accident.

BOEMRE inspectors traveled to the platform yesterday and have begun an independent 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 colleagues and friends. This incident provides the most dramatic possible reminder of what is at stake as we work with industry to ensure the highest safety standards on offshore facilities and do everything possible to minimize the risk of such accidents," said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich.

For further information on this incident, please contact Energy Resource Technology at (281) 848-6543.

Contact: BOEMRE Public Affairs