Drill Ship Glomar Java Sea, O.N. 568182, Capsizing and Sinking in the South China Sea, on 25 October 1983 with Multiple Loss of Life
Abstract
The U.S. drillship GLOMAR JAVA SEA, with 81 persons onboard, capsized and sank in the South China Sea at a position approximately 63 nautical miles southwest of Hainan Island, People's Republic of China and 80 nautical miles east of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Prior to the sinking, the GLOMAR JAVA SEA had secured drilling operations due to the severe effects of tropical storm 'LEX' approaching from the east of the drilling site. At 2348 local time, the Assistant Rig Manager, onboard the drillship, called Global Marine's office in Houston, Texas and reported that the drillship had a 15 deg starboard list of unknown origin and was experiencing 75 knot winds over the bow. Communications were cut off during the conversation, and all attempts to reestablish contact failed. At about 2351 the GLOMAR JAVA SEA capsized and within minutes sank in 317 feet of water. An extensive search was conducted but no survivors were found. A diving expedition found the wreck in an inverted position approximately 1600 feet southwest of the well site. The wreck was searched and 31 of the 36 bodies found were recovered. The remaining 45 persons are missing and presumed dead. This report contains the U. S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigations Report and the Action taken by the Commandant to determine the cause of the casualty and to implement the recommendations of the Board to prevent recurrence. Keywords: Drill string; Well site; Starboard list; Capsizing; Coupons transverse fracture; Stress analysis; Lifeboat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 28, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166426
Entities
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard