RED STAG

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Report: Fatal electrocution highlighted safety gaps in engine room operations

An unqualified engineer lost his life aboard the 'Red Stag' due to electrocution while attempting to troubleshoot a mud pump system in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, on Oct 14, 2023. The engineer asked a deckhand about the location of a voltage meter at approximately 05.30 a.m. At 06.40 a.m., the vessel’s master discovered the engineer unresponsive next to an open high-voltage panel in the engine room. Despite immediate emergency response and first aid efforts, the engineer was pronounced deceased at 07.40 a.m. The U.S. Coast Guard investigation revealed multiple contributing factors to the casualty. The primary cause was determined to be a presumed material failure in the mud pump system, but several critical safety deficiencies played significant roles in the fatal outcome. Key factors identified in the investigation included the engineer’s lack of qualifications, failure to follow established company procedures, absence of visual or audible indicators for emergency stop activation, and missing locking devices on the high-voltage panel. The sequence of events began during a routine watch handover on Oct 13 at 11.30 p.m., when the outgoing 1st engineer informed the unqualified engineer that the vessel had been leveled using the mud pump system. The oncoming watch’s duties included engine room cleaning, interior space maintenance, and preparation for mooring stations. While Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) were completed for the assigned tasks, the subsequent attempt to address the mud pump system issue led to the fatal accident. The investigation highlighted how multiple safety barriers failed, ultimately resulting in an unqualified individual accessing energized electrical equipment. In response to the incident, the owner and operator of the 'Red Stag', the Adriatic Marine LLC of Raceland, Louisiana, implemented a fleet-wide Safety Stand-down, emphasizing the critical importance of communication between captains and crews, as well as strict adherence to safety policies and procedures. The investigation concluded without finding evidence of criminal acts, civil penalties, or violations of law by Coast Guard personnel or credentialed mariners. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper qualification, training, and safety protocols in maritime operations, particularly when dealing with high-voltage electrical systems. Full report: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/ROIs/RED_STAG_7874488_ROI_Redacted.pdf