The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) identified the Pacific Drilling employee who died during drilling operations onboard the Pacific Santa Ana drillship in the US Gulf of Mexico.
BSEE has confirmed that 34-year-old Sam Whitley, of Hope, Maine, was the worker who died onboard the drillship. Whitley’s LinkedIn profile says that he joined Pacific Drilling in January 2015. Whitley leaves behind a wife and three children, according to the Bangor (Maine) Daily News. A GoFundMe account has been set up for his family.
The Pacific Santa Ana drillship was some 200mi south of Lake Charles, Louisiana, operating in 4800ft of water, on the Chevron-operated Keathley Canyon Block 96, when the fatality occurred on 20 October.
"My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Sam Whitley," said BSEE Director Brian Salerno. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are committed to determining the direct and indirect causes of this incident."
BSEE and the US Coast Guard are continuing the investigation into Whitley’s death. No further information has been released. BSEE has established a five-member investigative panel comprised of BSEE investigators, an engineer, and a US Coast Guard member.
BSEE said the purpose of the investigation is to identify the causes and any contributing issues that led to Whitley’s death. The panel will then make recommendations in the final report on how to strengthen implementation of existing safety and environmental management systems and any necessary reforms to existing regulations, the agency said.
Chevron holds 36% working interest in Keathley Canyon Block 96, with co-owners BP (34%), and ConocoPhillips (30%).
The Pacific Santa Ana is currently in the middle of a five-year contract with Chevron that began in 2012.
Image: Pacific Santa Ana/Pacific Drilling
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