Offshore Worker Dies on Oil Platform in Gulf of Mexico

On May 15, 2021, Tim Stringer, a dedicated offshore contractor, was tragically killed while working at Fieldwood Energy’s offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident occurred on Eugene Island 158 No. 14, an unmanned platform that is located about 50 miles south of Marsh Island, Louisiana.

According to Rigzone, Fieldwood confirmed that Stringer was participating in a “non-emergency casing pressure test on a shut-in well.” The article states that “the workers were doing a routine check on the metal casing that forms the walls of any subsea well.” It appeared that something went wrong when that test was being performed.

Fieldwood recently confirmed to WWL-TV that the worker who died was an employee at Island Operating Co., an oilfield contractor based in Scott, Louisiana.

Fieldwood Energy’s Prepared Statement

In a prepared statement, Fieldwood said:

“Fieldwood Energy is committed to safe operations, and the health and well-being of our entire workforce is a top priority. We are deeply saddened to confirm that on May 15, 2021 a fatal incident occurred involving a contractor [. . .]. No other personnel were injured and the shut-in well remains secure and poses no threat of environmental harm.”

The Houston offshore accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are closely monitoring this incident and will provide updates as they become available.