Posted on 05/18/2021 7:18:47 PM PDT by BenLurkin
A squall was passing over the Seacor Power in the Gulf of Mexico, the wind pounded and visibility from the wheelhouse of the massive lift boat had dimmed when a decision was made, three hours after leaving Port Fourchon on April 13, to drop its massive legs and anchor them to the seafloor.
The emergency plan was to raise the deck above the rising sea and wait out a storm that was much more powerful than forecast, according to an early assessment of the tragedy released Tuesday by federal regulators.
"When the legs began to descend, the crewmember at the helm attempted to turn the vessel into the winds," the report said. "Before the turn was completed, the Seacor Power heeled to starboard and capsized."
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
Milspec Ops Monkey has been showing a TFR (temporary flight restriction) for this area for some time now and wondered what the rescue was that was taking so long, now we may have an answer. Not good, very sad.
Still? Still a flight restriction?
As of yesterday yes. Ongoing rescue operations, 7 crew members missing.
“As of yesterday yes. Ongoing rescue operations, 7 crew members missing.”
Damn, that bites. Hope at least some find a way to survive.
Addendum for the ship’s instruction manual: In heavy weather turn ship into the wind BEFORE lowering legs.
“Damn, that bites. Hope at least some find a way to survive.”
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After a whole month? Sadly, not too likely.
I think it’s more of a recovery now, it’s been a month.
That part of the oil-patch, there is always another working boat within sight out to minimum eight miles. If someone near shore encountered such a blow, be assured there was radio chatter. VHF 13 between boats often gives 40 or more miles direct. Never hurts to keep an ear open to the grapevine.
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