Structural Defects Not to Blame for Jurong Shipyard Maritime Accident

Noble Corporation is continuing investigations into an accident at the Jurong Shipyard that injured more than 80 workers in December. The company now says that it has conducted an inspection of the Noble Regina Allen jack up which tilted on December 3, injuring several workers. The inspection has not revealed any damage to the legs, jacking system and hull.

According to a statement released by the company, the data that had been collected has indicated no evidence of any structural or component defects. Investigation teams are now focusing on other possible factors for the accident, including the jacking software control logic and the break holding capacity.

The Jurong shipyard accident was the worst industrial accident in Singapore in recent memory. The accident occurred when one of the 3 legs of the Noble Regina Allen apparently failed, causing the rig to tilt dangerously. The rig has been restored to its upright position, and is expected to leave the shipyard later this year.

There were more than 700 people on board the rig at the time that it tilted dangerously, throwing several workers into the water. More than 80 workers were injured, but there were no life-threatening injuries reported. Singapore officials imposed a “stop work” order on the project, and the stop order is still in place. The rig has been restored to its upright position, and is expected to leave the shipyard later this year.

Workers in oil rigs and platforms, who meet the definition of a Jones Act seaman, may be eligible for benefits under the Act. One of these benefits is the right to maintenance and cure. An injured worker must begin receiving “maintenance,” which covers his daily living expenses, and “cure,” which covers his medical expenses as soon as he is injured.

The Houston Jones Act lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers  represent oil rig and platform workers injured in the Gulf of Mexico.