13.08.2007

Offshore lifting fatality.

The Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) of Norway has launched an investigation into a fatal accident onboard the world’s largest offshore crane vessel, Saipem 7000 on Sunday.
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Saipem 7000

A person fell overboard and died during a lifting operation performed for Statoil at the Tordis field.
The SAR helicopter from Statfjord A and three emergency vessels arrived at the site and participated in the search.

After an hour and a half the person was detected on the seabed at a depth of approximately 200 metres by Saipem's own ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) which then recovered the body.
On Monday morning, two PSA representatives travelled out to the Saipem 7000 to investigate the incident, clarify the chain of events and identify trigger factors and underlying causes.
The investigation will result in a report which will be published on the PSA's website. The police will also conduct a separate investigation.
The Saipem 7000 is equipped with two American Hoist revolver cranes which can lift up to 7,000 tonnes at 40 metres radius. And can carry out a 14,000 tonne tandem lift. It is most commonly used for pipe laying duties.