The 1983 Glomar Java Sea disaster was a drillship accident that caused 81 deaths. It shows just how dangerous offshore work can be, especially when unpredictable weather strikes. This tragic accident highlights the importance of having strong safety protocols and emergency preparedness. Read on to get answers to some common questions about what happened and why it matters.

What Was the Glomar Java Sea Drillship?

The Glomar Java Sea drillship owned by Global Marine Inc. was a state-of-the-art offshore drilling vessel designed for deep-sea oil exploration. Launched in 1975, the Glomar Java Sea was a self-propelled vessel equipped with dynamic positioning technology, designed to perform drilling operations at considerable depths. By 1983, it had been stationed in the South China Sea for drilling activities. The ship tragically sank during Typhoon Lex, leading to significant loss of life and marking one of the deadliest offshore drilling disasters in history.

What Happened During the Glomar Java Sea Drillship Disaster in 1983?

On Oct. 25, 1983, the Glomar Java Sea encountered Typhoon Lex in the South China Sea. With its crew of 81 aboard, the drillship faced increasingly harsh conditions as the storm intensified. Despite efforts to secure the vessel and safeguard the crew, the ship was overwhelmed by the typhoon’s force. High winds and rough seas made it difficult for the ship’s equipment to maintain stability, ultimately causing it to capsize.

All communication with the ship was lost in the early hours of that morning, which prompted a major search and rescue effort by the U.S. Coast Guard, Chinese authorities, and other agencies. Days later, they located the Glomar Java Sea at the bottom of the ocean with no survivors. An investigation later revealed that a combination of extreme weather conditions, mechanical vulnerabilities, and compromised stability contributed to the catastrophic sinking of the vessel.

The incident was a stark reminder of the dangers of offshore drilling, highlighting the importance of having rigorous safety measures and thorough emergency preparedness to protect workers in such hazardous environments.

What Were the Causes of the Glomar Java Sea Drillship Disaster?

The Glomar Java Sea sank in 1983 due to a combination of extenuating factors. Knowing what caused this disaster helps us understand the dangers offshore workers face every day and the risks associated with offshore drilling. Here’s what led to the disaster:

• Typhoon Lex: The ship encountered Typhoon Lex, a violent storm in the South China Sea that brought extreme winds that overwhelmed the vessel’s stability and dynamic positioning system.
• Structural vulnerabilities: The Glomar Java Sea was not structurally equipped to handle such severe weather. The vessel’s design and equipment made it vulnerable to the intense forces encountered during the typhoon.
• Dynamic positioning system failure: Despite being a state-of-the-art system for maintaining the ship’s position, it could not counteract the harsh conditions.
• Emergency preparedness gaps: The crew faced challenges in effectively securing the vessel and ensuring their safety due to inadequate emergency protocols for this level of disaster.
• Communication breakdowns: Delays in communication between the vessel and the company ashore may have impacted the ship’s ability to receive timely assistance or make crucial safety decisions.

What Were the Immediate Consequences of the Disaster?

The immediate aftermath of the Glomar Java Sea disaster showed just how serious these accidents can be for workers, the environment, and the offshore industry. Here are some of the biggest immediate consequences:

• Loss of life: All 81 crew members aboard the Glomar Java Sea perished, leaving families grieving and highlighting the deadly nature of offshore drilling accidents. Only 31 bodies have been recovered, with the remaining presumed dead.
• Environmental impact: The sinking of the drillship potentially led to oil and hazardous material leaks into the sea, harming marine life and polluting the surrounding waters.
• Economic impact: The disaster caused financial losses for Global Marine Inc. and its partners, including the loss of a valuable drillship and disruption to offshore drilling operations.
• Intensified safety standards: The disaster spurred a reevaluation of safety standards for offshore drilling, prompting government agencies like the Coast Guard Investigation Board to amend safety protocols.

What Were the Legal Consequences Following the Disaster?

The Glomar Java Sea disaster had significant legal consequences. Some specific examples include:

• Insurance settlements: Global Marine Inc. faced large insurance claims to cover the loss of the ship and its equipment. Ultimately, the families of crew members who died in the Glover Java Sea drillship disaster of 1983 received a settlement of $51 million, the largest in U.S. maritime history at the time.
• Increased regulatory scrutiny: The disaster led to greater scrutiny from government agencies, which pressured offshore drilling companies to adhere to stricter safety protocols. This was a wake-up call for the industry to follow better safety practices.
• Worker safety legislation: The tragedy brought increased attention to worker safety, pushing for more comprehensive regulations and improved emergency procedures across the offshore drilling sector. This changed how companies handle offshore operations today.

How Can Workers Stay Safe and Prevent Disasters Today?

Staying safe on an offshore oil rig is crucial. Workers need to follow safety protocols and be aware of their surroundings to reduce the risk of an accident at sea. Here are some important steps workers can take to prevent disasters:

1. Follow safety procedures: Adhere to established safety guidelines and company policies. This includes wearing protective gear, using equipment properly, and knowing emergency evacuation routes.
2. Participate in safety drills: Take part in regular safety drills and training sessions. Familiarity with emergency procedures ensures you can respond quickly and effectively if an incident occurs.
3. Report hazards: Immediately report unsafe conditions, malfunctioning equipment, or other potential hazards to supervisors. Prompt action can prevent accidents before they happen.
4. Maintain clear communication: Keep open lines of communication with colleagues and supervisors. Clear communication helps ensure everyone is aware of ongoing tasks and potential risks.
5. Monitor mental and physical health: Fatigue, stress, and illness can impair judgment and reaction time. Regular breaks, proper hydration, and sufficient rest are key to maintaining alertness.
6. Stay informed: Stay up to date with the latest safety practices and regulations. Continuous learning can help workers apply new safety measures to their daily routines.
7. Consult an offshore injury attorney: If an injury occurs on the job or an employer is violating safety standards and workers’ rights, consult an offshore injury attorney. Legal guidance ensures workers understand their rights,  including pursuing compensation and holding employers accountable for unsafe practices.

Sources

• https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/OCSNCOE/Casualty-Information/NTSB/MAR-87-02-Glomar-Java-Sea.pdf?ver=8_PF1tX30a7BSr8TfDbJXA%3D%3D
• https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA166426
• https://gcaptain.com/deepwater-investigation-lessons-we-failed-to-learn/
• https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/11/19/Families-of-crew-members-killed-or-missing-in-the/6528501224400/