Overturning of the Liftboat Kristin Faye

What Happened

On September 8, 2019, the liftboat Kristin Faye overturned while preparing to conduct work alongside a platform in the Gulf of Mexico, in Main Pass Block 64, located about 18 miles east of Venice, Louisiana. All three crewmembers abandoned the vessel and were rescued. One person suffered minor injuries during the evacuation. An estimated 120 gallons of diesel fuel were released. The vessel was declared a constructive total loss at an estimated $750,000.

What We Found

​​The probable cause of the overturning of the liftboat Kristin Fay​e was the company’s inadequate preload procedure that did not account for crane movements or the planned loads (weights) to be lifted, resulting in a "punch through" of one of the vessel’s three legs.

Lessons Learned

​​Liftboat Preload Tests

Prior to jacking up to expected operating height and commencing operations, liftboat operators should conduct preload tests, with the hull close to the water, that simulate all ​planned operational loads.

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