Towing a Jack-Up Drilling Rig in the Gulf of Mexico (VIDEO)

Posted in Gulf Coast,Tug Boat Accidents on January 26, 2012

Check out these videos shot by a crew member of the M/V Tara Crosby on location in the Gulf of Mexico as three tugboats tow a jackup rig to an oil well. The videos offer a rare glimpse into the lives of mariners working to support offshore oil and gas operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

The three tugs pictured in the videos — M/V Tara Crosby, M/V Crosby Viking and M/V Crosby Clipper — are owned and operated by Crosby Tugs out of Galliano, La. and you’ll notice the video narrator adds that these kind of jobs are “90% of the jobs” they do.

Obviously, the operations shown in this video went off without a hitch but we post the videos to highlight the inherent dangers that come when working with powerful tugs and massive pieces of machinery.  When a tugboat is attached to a large vessel, like the jack-up drilling rig shown in the videos, the potential for danger always exists.  Tow winches, steel cables and heavy loads can turn routine operations into recipes for disaster.

Although we are confident that U.S. has the best crews that work to minimize risk in such operations, accident do happen.  If you find yourself injured while working on tugboats, make sure you talk to tugboat injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the proper care you deserve.