Tugboat Captain Dies After Bayou Perot Explosion

Posted in Barge Accidents,Jones Act,Louisiana Maritime News,Maritime Accidents,Tug Boat Accidents on April 12, 2013

BATON ROUGE, LA – The captain of the tugboat, Shannon E. Settoon that was involved in the explosion and fire after hitting a gas pipeline in Bayou Perot on March 12, 2013 has died as a result of his injuries.

Bayou Perot gas pipeline explosion and fire on March 12, 2013.

Chad Breaux, the captain and one of four crew members aboard the tugboat at the time of the incident, passed away during surgery on April 10, 2013. He suffered severe burns in the incident and was taken to the Burn Unit at Baton Rouge General Hospital for treatment.

None of the other crew members were burned, but one was injured when the blast knocked him off the boat.

An article at Nola.com website reported on the story:

Officials said Breaux had burns on 75 percent to 85 percent of his body. Following the explosion, he was listed in critical condition and taken to Baton Rouge General Hospital’s Burn Unit.

Breaux was from the area around Houma and Dulac in Louisiana.

The Coast Guard is still investigating the incident.

Blog post by tugboat injury lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP