ARCO Platform B #2; South Pass, Mississippi River Delta, Louisiana

South Pass, Mississippi River Delta, Louisiana | 1989-Apr-06

Initial Notification: On April 5, 1989, ARCO Platform B, structurally damaged in an explosion and fire on March 20, 1989, was in danger of collapse in the event of severe weather. The platform assembly and wells are located in Block 60 of the South Pass offshore lease on the Mississippi River, approximately 100 miles southeast of New Orleans. The U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service was concerned that a collapse could shear off well head assemblies on the sea floor 200 feet below the rig, spilling up to 200 barrels of crude oil daily. Oil seepage was occurring at the head assemblies but shut-in of the wells was not possible because of the March 20 fire damage to casing and valves. In addition, ARCO officials were reluctant to attempt capping the three wells below the platform because the gas line used to drive the wells was unsafe as a result of the fire and explosion in March. Heavy weather on scene had thus far hindered divers' attempts to close off the gas line. USCG district 8.