Helicopter Crash in Gulf of Mexico: Pilot Killed Two Offshore Oil Rig Workers Injured

Posted in Jones Act,Louisiana Maritime News,Offshore Injuries,US Coast Guard (USCG) on October 9, 2013

VENICE, La. — A helicopter that took off from an oil rig on Wednesday, October 9, carrying three offshore workers and a contract pilot, crashed immediately after takeoff into the Gulf of Mexico, killing the pilot and severely injuring two of the workers.

The Coast Guard was notified around 7:24 a.m. Wednesday morning, October 9, that a crash took place about 30 nautical miles northeast of Venice, La. in what is described as “Block 108.” A nearby supply vessel, “Ridge,” was able to pick up the four people.

A spokesman for the Coast Guard confirmed that one person was dead, two suffered severe back injuries and one was unharmed, after they rescued the victims. The spokesman said that Panther Helicopters Inc. is the owner of the aircraft.

Wood Group spokeswoman, Bobbie Ireland, in Houston, told the media that the helicopter was owned by Panther Helicopters of Belle Chasse. The three oil rig workers were employed by Wood Group PSN and were all from Louisiana. According to Ireland, they had just finished their shifts when they boarded the helicopter.

The incident remains under investigation.

Blog post by Louisiana maritime lawyer, Gordon, Elias & Seely.