September 2008
On Friday 12 April 2007 the Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel “Bourbon Dolphin” was engaged in anchor handling operations for the semi-submersible drilling rig “Transocean Rather” in the Rosebank oilfield to the west of the Shetland Islands.
Due to the prevailing environmental factors the “Bourbon Dolphin” had drifted considerably away from the planned track for mooring and the tension in the mooring system limited manoeverability. The AHTS “Highland Valour” was dispatched to assist but the “Bourbon Dolphin” was found to be still drifting away from the planned anchor track. There then followed a tragic sequence of events leading ultimately to the capsize of the “Bourbon Dolphin”. Of the crew of 14, only 7 were saved. Those that were lost included the Master and his 14 year old son.
The possible impact of vessel unsuitability, lack of vessel stability, limited personnel experience, lack of planning and attention to detail in the rig move procedure, and human error in this incident are discussed in an article by Captain Simon Rapley ([email protected]) of the Club’s Loss Prevention Department which can be downloaded below.
