Defendants named in offshore oil platform explosion that killed and injured maritime workers

Two years ago a mobile oil platform that was being moved because of a looming tropical storm collided with a stationary platform in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. The mobile platform was carrying 73 employees of Petroleos Mexicanos, and it exploded upon impact.

The accident led to 22 deaths and 63 injuries among maritime workers from both platforms, and also resulted in an uncontrollable oil and gas leak. Oil and gas valves were damaged when the mobile platform allegedly succumbed to subsurface seafloor holes, causing it to tip onto the stationary platform.

In the ensuring chaos of the accident and the approaching tropical storm, platform workers were left at sea for up to 20 hours. As a result, some workers drowned.

The following defendants were named in the lawsuit:

• Gulf Coast Marine and Associates Inc.: named for making the decision to tow the mobile platform during inclement weather.
• Schlumberger Technology Corp.: named because they manufactured the safety valve fitted on the platform where the leak occurred.
• Halliburton Co.: named because they manufactured a subsurface safety valve and sensor also on the platform where the leak occurred.
• Matthews-Daniel Co.: selected the offshore site and provided rig location approvals for offshore exploration, allegedly using out-of-date data that assumed the seafloor was untouched, when it had in fact been explored and weakened due to 87 holes each 53 feet deep.

The suit alleges that the defendants are negligent for:

• Failure to safely position the platform
• Failure to provide a safe work environment
• Failure to provide accurate weather information
• Failure to provide proper supervision
• Failure to provide proper equipment in good repair
• Failure to conduct timely rescue efforts
• Failure to provide accurate soil condition information
• Failure to accurately place the platform

The lawsuit is seeking damages for:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety
• Depressive disorder
• Future pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of support
• Consortium
• Pre and post-judgment interest
• Attorneys’ fees
• Exemplary damages

For more information on maritime law, maritime injury and death cases, the Jones Act and more please visit our Maritime Accident Attorney website. You can also find more articles about maritime law in our Vujasinovic & Beckcom maritime law library.

Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C

1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: 713.224.7800

Fax: 713.224.7801