The US Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis has published an investigation report about the capsizing of the liftboat Seacor Power in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident claimed the lives of 13 people.
On April 13, 2021, the liftboat made its way into the Gulf of Mexico from Port Fourchon destined for an offshore rig. On its journey, the boat encountered a severe storm and Seacor Power capsized. Just 6 of the 19 onboard the vessel owned by Seacor Marine were rescued. Among the dead was the boat’s captain, David Ledet.
A small but intense low-pressure system, known to weather forecasters as a wake low, passed through the area on the afternoon of the incident, creating hurricane-force winds of 80-90 mph and seas offshore of 7′ to 9′. Though bad weather had been forecast, the intensity of the storm took everyone by surprise.
Following its investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause of the capsizing was a loss of stability caused when the vessel was struck by severe thunderstorm winds, which exceeded the vessel’s operational wind speed limits. Contributing to the loss of life on the vessel were the speed at which the vessel capsized and the angle at which it came to rest. The high winds and seas in the aftermath of the capsizing presented considerable challenged for search and rescue personnel.
The MBI issued 27 safety recommendations, 4 administrative recommendations, 3 findings of concern, and 16 best practices. A commandant’s final action memorandum detailing the US Coast Guard’s response and actions on each recommendation is included with the report of investigation.
Download the report: Seacor Power capsize Investigation