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NTSB Report On The 2006 Construction Barge Fire in Louisiana |
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Friday, 15 June 2007 21:13 |
The NTSB has released its findings on the 2006 explosion and fire which killed 6 workers, and destroyed the towing vessel Miss Megan along with the Athena 106 and the IBR234, two construction barges in tow in the West Cote Blanch Bay oil field in Louisiana. The NTSB determined that the aft spud on the Athena 106 accidentally deployed and struck an underwater, high-pressure gas line in the Bay. The resulting explosion and fireball killed the Miss Megan's master and four barge workers. A fifth worker survived the accident and a sixth is listed as missing and presumed dead.
The inquiry found that Athena Construction, the owner of the barges in tow, was materially at fault for not requiring its crews to use locking safety devices on the spud winch when the vessel was under tow. The report also faulted Central Boat Rentals, the owner of the Miss Megan, for not requiring its employees to verify that all mooring equipment was properly secured prior to towing the barges. The NTSB has determined that both Athena Construction and Central Boat Rentals should develop appropriate safety procedures to secure spuds and to verify that all mooring spuds are properly secured before towing vessels.
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