NTSB plans public meeting on cause of SEACOR Power capsizing

Seacor Power capsized

(WASHINGTON) — On Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a virtual public board meeting to determine the probable cause for the 2021 capsizing of the liftboat SEACOR Power.

The board will discuss these four safety issues:

• Gaps in forecasting and communications of weather events.
• Operation and stability of restricted-service liftboats in severe thunderstorms.
• Initial emergency response to the capsizing.
• Search and rescue difficulties in adverse weather and sea conditions.

On April 13, 2021, SEACOR Power capsized off the coast of Port Fourchon, La. Nineteen people were aboard the vessel. Six people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and other vessels; six died and seven are missing and presumed dead.

Additional information about the accident investigation is available on ntsb.gov. For details on how to view the virtual meeting, visit the agency’s events webpage.

– National Transportation Safety Board

Seacor Power capsized
The capsized SEACOR Power off the coast of Port Fourchon, La., on April 13, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard photo

 

By Rich Miller