The search for oil off Canada’s east coast experienced a boom in the 1960s and 1970s. Multiple wells existed and drilling platforms littered the area. The Ocean Ranger was determining how big this oil field was, operating delineation wells in 1982.
One of the most advanced drilling platforms of its time, the Ocean Ranger met a terrible fate that winter after a massive storm penetrated a porthole. This ship ultimately sank, losing all 84 men aboard.
We explore what happened to the Ocean Ranger and what could have prevented this disaster. Offshore accidents like this can lead to devastating consequences for the workers and their families, and may hopefully be prevented by looking at past accidents.
The Ocean Ranger — Getting To Know the Rig
The Ocean Ranger was built and designed by the Offshore Drilling and Exploration Company (ODECO). Its primary use was for offshore oil exploration. It was the biggest vessel of its type as of 1976 when it first set off. The Ocean Ranger was:
- 396 feet long
- 337 feet high
- 262 feet wide
- Over 25,000 tons in weight
The rig had 12 anchors. Each of the anchors weighed 45,000 pounds each. The rig floated on two pontoons, each 400 feet in length. It was rated for severe conditions on the ocean. It was ready to handle up to 100 knot winds and could withstand 100 foot ocean waves.
The Storm and Sinking of the Ocean Ranger
The Ocean Ranger was drilling on well J-34 on February 14, 1982. At the time, 84 men were aboard. The rig was given a weather report at around 8:00 a.m. that morning. It indicated that a severe winter storm was on its way. The report noted winds of up to 90 knots and ocean waves of 37 feet or more. The forecast predicted that the storm would pass over the Ocean Ranger by around 4:30 p.m. that evening.
In preparation of the storm, the rig retracted its drill pipe to handle the storm safely. At around 7:00 p.m., the storm was in full effect. Two other rigs in the area reported being hit by a large wave that caused some minor damage to one. After that, the two rigs picked up radio chatter about water and broken glass, as well as problems with operating valves and switches.
The Ocean Ranger then confirmed that at about 9:00 p.m. a large wave had broken a portlight in the ballast control room. The report initially indicated that it had been cleaned up and was not a problem.
At around 1:00 a.m., however, the rig’s senior manager reported that it was listing. It asked its standby vessel to move in closer in case of an emergency. Just 10 minutes later, the Ocean Ranger sent out mayday calls. The final call came at 1:30 a.m., when a radio operator informed that the crew was evacuating to lifeboats.
Vessels close by attempted to help and even dispatched lifeboats. However, the storm was so violent that rescuing survivors proved impossible. Crewmen aboard the Seaforth Highlander observed flares from one of the lifeboats and attempted to go to it.
By the time it arrived, the lifeboat had some men aboard, but it was damaged. They attached a line to it, and they nearly grabbed one of the men. Sadly, the weather prevented rescue, snapping the line and capsizing the lifeboat.
Just before 3:00 a.m., the Ocean Ranger was still floating, as confirmed by the Bolentor. The ship was rocking heavily and large waves were quickly overtaking it. Quickly after, the Ocean Ranger sank beneath the water.
Continued Rescue Efforts
Ships continued to search for survivors. They worked tirelessly throughout that first night and into the following day. Despite the close call saving one lifeboat, no survivors were ultimately saved.
Rescuers did find two empty lifeboats as well as several vacant life rafts. At one point, the ship Nordertor located the lifeboat nearly saved by the Bolentor. The Nordertor spotted bodies inside but was unable to recover it. The lifeboat was never seen again.
The following days continued as a cleanup and recovery effort. Ships eventually recovered 22 bodies from water, all of whom had died from hypothermia or drowning.
The Cause of the Ocean Ranger Accident
Later investigation determined the cause of the accident and the deficiencies that led to it.
The Ocean Ranger‘s crew successfully disconnected from the wellhead in preparation of the storm, a difficult process but a necessary one as well. A large wave shattered the ballast control room’s porthole, soaking the console. Power was either interrupted or short-circuited.
Workers noticed the mimic board lights flashing between different colors, indicating that the ballast controls were closing and opening on their own. The ballast controls are critical in maintaining the stability of the platform, especially in heavy storms like the one that occurred that night.
A commission determined that the Ocean Ranger suffered from several design flaws. These included the design and quality of the shattered portlight which allowed water infiltration and the lack of watertight chain lockers. The commission also found that:
- The crew were not properly trained for an emergency
- The safety equipment onboard was inadequate
- The ship lacked safety protocols for the supply ship
Eventually, the Ocean Ranger was moved and sunk into deeper waters to prevent interruption to shipping lanes. These efforts themselves cost the lives of multiple divers, further contributing to the cost of this disaster.
Offshore Oil Rig Accidents and Compensation
Family members of the deceased crewmen filed wrongful death lawsuits after the disaster. These lawsuits were settled out of court for a total of approximately $20 million in damages awarded in that legal settlement.
Disasters like this may entitle families and survivors to compensation from the responsible parties. An offshore accident attorney can help injured parties with their individual claim.
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