Lake Charles, LA one-hundred-forty-two people were stranded in the Gulf of Mexico onboard a drillship caught in the path of Hurricane Ida.

According to information from the U.S. Coast Guard 8th District the Globetrotter II, owned by Noble Corporation is currently 80 nautical miles south, southeast of Grand Isle, La.

A plan is currently being developed by the Coast Guard and Noble on the best way to bring Globetrotter II to port for repairs.

KPLC reported a crewmember onboard Globetrotter II, that wishes to remain anonymous reported the ship is actively taking on water. The crew member stated he was informed they will be evacuated from the ship. He is scheduled to be rescued from the ship on Thursday.

“The ship almost capsized, it flipped over on a 45-degree angle,” said the crewmember, crediting the captain for keeping the ship upright. “I just thought the rig was going to flip. You know, it was terrifying. I heard people crying, hollering in the halls.”

“Mentally, it was terrible. And I feel that once I get off… I mean, I need the job, but I don’t want to be out here anymore.”

Coast Guard officials have reported that they have been in contact with the U.S. licensed master of the Globetrotter II and the owner of the ship Nobel Corporation since Sunday. The officials said that the master has maintained that the vessel was not in distress and not actively taking on water.

However, the images posted on social media, reportedly from the crew of the Globetrotter II, show potential issues with safety according to the Coast Guard.

Out of an abundance of caution the Coast Guard has sent out The Cutter Venturous and a helicopter from New Orleans to survey the ship.

Photos and videos sent to KPLC from the crewmembers aboard Globetrotter II show water in the ship, including a stairwell submerged by water, as well as items thrown about by the storm.

“I think we lost thrusters, water coming in the A/C units and stuff on the aft of the ship,” he said. “It was just a lot.”

Noble released the following statement on Sunday: “Noble Corporation today announced that all personnel onboard the Pacific Sharav, Noble Globetrotter I, and Noble Globetrotter II ultra-deepwater drillships in the US Gulf of Mexico are safe and accounted for following Hurricane Ida. Each rig successfully secured its respective well in progress and took evasive actions to avoid the storm’s path. Of the three, the Noble Globetrotter II is the only vessel that encountered hurricane-force conditions. The vessel maintained stability throughout the weather event and is operating on its own power with functional marine and safety systems. A full assessment of its condition will be completed as soon as the weather clears.”

The Coast Guard confirmed that Globetrotter II was attempting to get out of the hurricane’s path when Hurricane Ida hit.

The crew member says the ship did not attempt to evacuate until Saturday morning, which was too late.

 

Currently representing several crew members:
Matthew D. Shaffer
Board Certified Personal Injury
Trial Lawyer
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Proctor in Admiralty
Admitted in Texas, Washington and Colorado