The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said May 20 it has formed a panel to investigate a fatality that happened May 15 on the Fieldwood Energy-operated Platform #14 in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico's Eugene Island Block 158.

Fieldwood on May 15 confirmed the fatality involving a contractor occurred during a nonemergency casing pressure test on a shut-in well. “No other personnel were injured and the shut-in well remains secure and poses no threat of environmental harm,” Fieldwood said in the news release. “Details of the incident are still being established and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.”

BSEE said a team of its investigators, inspectors and engineers will review information provided by Fieldwood as well as contract employees, witnesses and subject matter experts and will analyze evidence from forensic testing. A report will be issued on the findings along with recommendations on how to strengthen safety measures.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to the worker’s family and friends,” said BSEE Gulf of Mexico Regional Director Lars Herbst. “We are assembling a panel of experts who will conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident. We are committed to a complete investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to identify approaches that will enhance the safety of future operations.”

Offshore