Gulf of Paria Underwater Welders Deaths: Lawsuits Filed

[redmanjp]

Plenty of allyuh were on the George Flloyd bandwagon.These are our countrymen who literally couldn't breathe for 3 days.Somebody head has to roll

These deaths are likely caused by negligence or reckless endangerment, perhaps worse. Those acts ARE criminal.

If you want this to parallel the George Floyd incident, you would need at least fifteen TTPS officers to open a hatch, force the five divers through the hatch into the pipe, and then hold the hatch shut until after they were dead. And then refuse them medical attention.

except was the knee on neck part of the use of force policy at the time?

[Val]

The safeties failed, either due to improper assessment in the planning, or operator error to introduce the vacuum.


Still not clear what caused the vacuum to suck the guys in.

Answer is in the 3 vids (FB "live") on the night of the incident (Friday) where they showed Berth 5 and then on Sunday 1 from Gary Aboud and another from Inshan when they were out at sea.
On Friday Berth 5 was empty on Sunday there is a Tanker alongside, assumed berthed on Saturday and departed Monday whilst the Coast Guard was "securing the area".
Divers missing in a pipeline between Berth 6 & 5......no rescue efforts but line capped, yet a Tanker was brought onto Berth 5???? a dedicated crude Berth??? Seems it was very important to have that vessel inside and out with the utmost urgency.
Timeframe matches with "recovery" efforts on Monday.........after vessel departed.

If true and connected then $>contractor lives

[S_2NR]

Not excusing paria in any way but I think the most frustrating thing about this whole situation is how the general public feel this thing so simple.

"Just send in divers"
"Just push them out the pipe"
"Just cut the pipe"

This was a complex situation with alot of variables. Could paria have done more? Yes, definitely. But come on, this ain't a pvc pipe in yu backyard. There's a reason these welders are paid so highly.

[timelapse]

Plenty of allyuh were on the George Flloyd bandwagon.These are our countrymen who literally couldn't breathe for 3 days.Somebody head has to roll

These deaths are likely caused by negligence or reckless endangerment, perhaps worse. Those acts ARE criminal.

If you want this to parallel the George Floyd incident, you would need at least fifteen TTPS officers to open a hatch, force the five divers through the hatch into the pipe, and then hold the hatch shut until after they were dead. And then refuse them medical attention.

except was the knee on neck part of the use of force policy at the time?

Turning on equipment while men in it is part of the policy?

But from a retired underwater welder (my father), this is his input.It may be a very unpopular view of it, and contrary to my thinking.I admit that this situation is getting on my emotions.
In his day, ANY equipment attached to a pipeline or whatever they fixing had to be turned off and the equipment caged off and physically locked by padlocks by each person on that particular project.The only time that equipment got turned on again was after EVERYBODY unlocked their individual lock.
Those divers did not prioritize their own safety, else they would have never gone into such a sketchy situation to begin with.
There's another story behind this story

[S_2NR]

Also, where is the contractor in all this?
Shouldn't they be at least partially liable for what happened?
Where is the public outcry for them?

[alfa]

Plenty of allyuh were on the George Flloyd bandwagon.These are our countrymen who literally couldn't breathe for 3 days.Somebody head has to roll

These deaths are likely caused by negligence or reckless endangerment, perhaps worse. Those acts ARE criminal.

If you want this to parallel the George Floyd incident, you would need at least fifteen TTPS officers to open a hatch, force the five divers through the hatch into the pipe, and then hold the hatch shut until after they were dead. And then refuse them medical attention.

except was the knee on neck part of the use of force policy at the time?

Turning on equipment while men in it is part of the policy?

But from a retired underwater welder (my father), this is his input.It may be a very unpopular view of it, and contrary to my thinking.I admit that this situation is getting on my emotions.
In his day, ANY equipment attached to a pipeline or whatever they fixing had to be turned off and the equipment caged off and physically locked by padlocks by each person on that particular project.The only time that equipment got turned on again was after EVERYBODY unlocked their individual lock.
Those divers did not prioritize their own safety, else they would have never gone into such a sketchy situation to begin with.
There's another story behind this story

The lock out tag out procedure is correct but for those who worked in the oil industry know that some isolators don't even have facilities to be locked as they were installed decades before OSHA. People will sign of on loto and just put a tag. Even when done properly I've never seen a contractor put a lock on anything. So a multitude of things could have gone wrong. Personally I don't think any conspiracy was involved but rather lack of safety on all parties and Paria trying to save face and their jobs

[Redman]

Also, where is the contractor in all this?
Shouldn't they be at least partially liable for what happened?
Where is the public outcry for them?

That eh fashionable -just read the thread from Friday.
Friday eve people already decide its the political appointees .....great for PEA and Prakash-useless for anything else.

[K74T]

Statement by LMCS Limited.

On Friday 25th February 2022, tragedy struck on the No. 36 Sea Line Riser on Berth No. 6 at Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited, Pointe-a-Pierre. At the time, LMCS Limited was executing work it was contracted to perform by Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited.  This horrific incident led to the death of four of our dedicated employees, Yusuf Henry, Fyzal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar and Kazim Jeremiah Ali, the only son of our managing director. A fifth employee, Christopher Boodram, survived but suffered severe injuries. 

LMCS has been concentrating its efforts on comforting the families who lost their loved ones and providing support to them during this period of unimaginable grief. The impact of this incident on our LMCS staff has been devastating. LMCS has made available to all members of the deceased families, as well as Mr. Boodram, professional services to address their state of mind and the anguish that has been visited upon them as a result of this incident. These services have also been made available to all of our employees. LMCS has undertaken to cover the burial costs for Yusuf Henry, Fyzal Kurban and Rishi Nagassar.

Those who were responsible for this tragedy that led to the death of our employees and the serious injuries to Mr. Boodram must be held accountable for their actions or lack thereof. The public interest requires no less. The families who lost their loved ones deserve no less. LMCS will be satisfied with no less. To this end LMCS has retained, at its own cost, the services of a specialist pathologist to undertake private autopsies for all of the deceased. 

In addition, since this incident, LMCS has been in the process of gathering all of the relevant evidence in order to provide international experts who are being retained by LMCS to determine  the cause of this national disaster and to ascertain who was responsible for the deaths of our employees or the decisions that led to their deaths. 

From the time that LMCS was made aware of the loss of contact with our divers on the 25th February 2022, our singular aim was the rescue of our employees. We not only had the manpower and personnel to carry out their rescue, but we provided Paria with the methodology to execute the rescue. At all material times we were prevented from executing this rescue by Paria and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. We were not given the chance to save the lives of our employees.  The effect of those decisions prevented us from attempting to rescue our employees and those who made those decisions must be held accountable for them and must justify those decisions, not only to the families, but to the public and to the authorities that are responsible for the enforcement of the law. 

LMCS expresses gratitude and appreciation to our employees who have been a tower of strength during this tragedy. LMCS wishes to express heartfelt thanks to every single member of the public who offered their support and prayers during this period of time. In the interest and honor of those who lost their lives, we must demand that steps are taken to ensure that a disaster of this nature never repeats itself; where there are short comings, they must be remedied. We must demand that those who are responsible for the deaths of Yusuf, Fyzal, Rishi and Kazim Jr are held to account for their inactions and actions.

[j.o.e]

Not excusing paria in any way but I think the most frustrating thing about this whole situation is how the general public feel this thing so simple.

"Just send in divers"
"Just push them out the pipe"
"Just cut the pipe"

This was a complex situation with alot of variables. Could paria have done more? Yes, definitely. But come on, this ain't a pvc pipe in yu backyard. There's a reason these welders are paid so highly.

This. I haven’t been saying much because this is exactly my view. Also people who never had managerial responsibility don’t realize the red tape involved to send ppl onto/into company property. People died but who gonna answer if unauthorized people die/ get hurt when I say go inside.

[timelapse]

Not excusing paria in any way but I think the most frustrating thing about this whole situation is how the general public feel this thing so simple.

"Just send in divers"
"Just push them out the pipe"
"Just cut the pipe"

This was a complex situation with alot of variables. Could paria have done more? Yes, definitely. But come on, this ain't a pvc pipe in yu backyard. There's a reason these welders are paid so highly.

This. I haven’t been saying much because this is exactly my view. Also people who never had managerial responsibility don’t realize the red tape involved to send ppl onto/into company property. People died but who gonna answer if unauthorized people die/ get hurt when I say go inside.

This part I agree with 100%
I would not condone knowingly putting anybody in a life threatening situation whether they volunteer or not ,just like sending a person into a burning building.
The part that bothers me is sending them in there to begin with, knowing that zero safety mechanisms were in place.The board of directors has nothing to do with it, responsibility belongs in the hands of the project manager that was responsible for this particular incident.
What not adding up is a history of problems with this particular berth.Jumbie?

[sMASH]

Plenty of allyuh were on the George Flloyd bandwagon.These are our countrymen who literally couldn't breathe for 3 days.Somebody head has to roll

These deaths are likely caused by negligence or reckless endangerment, perhaps worse. Those acts ARE criminal.

If you want this to parallel the George Floyd incident, you would need at least fifteen TTPS officers to open a hatch, force the five divers through the hatch into the pipe, and then hold the hatch shut until after they were dead. And then refuse them medical attention.

except was the knee on neck part of the use of force policy at the time?

Turning on equipment while men in it is part of the policy?

But from a retired underwater welder (my father), this is his input.It may be a very unpopular view of it, and contrary to my thinking.I admit that this situation is getting on my emotions.
In his day, ANY equipment attached to a pipeline or whatever they fixing had to be turned off and the equipment caged off and physically locked by padlocks by each person on that particular project.The only time that equipment got turned on again was after EVERYBODY unlocked their individual lock.
Those divers did not prioritize their own safety, else they would have never gone into such a sketchy situation to begin with.
There's another story behind this story

The lock out tag out procedure is correct but for those who worked in the oil industry know that some isolators don't even have facilities to be locked as they were installed decades before OSHA. People will sign of on loto and just put a tag. Even when done properly I've never seen a contractor put a lock on anything. So a multitude of things could have gone wrong. Personally I don't think any conspiracy was involved but rather lack of safety on all parties and Paria trying to save face and their jobs

I didn't encounter this, and as per my recollection, we didn't fudge the loto. It it couldn't, isolate, we broke to atmosphere.

Don't fudge the fine print. I never liked that. It could surface in a court room.

[sMASH]

The safeties failed, either due to improper assessment in the planning, or operator error to introduce the vacuum.


Still not clear what caused the vacuum to suck the guys in.

Answer is in the 3 vids (FB "live") on the night of the incident (Friday) where they showed Berth 5 and then on Sunday 1 from Gary Aboud and another from Inshan when they were out at sea.
On Friday Berth 5 was empty on Sunday there is a Tanker alongside, assumed berthed on Saturday and departed Monday whilst the Coast Guard was "securing the area".
Divers missing in a pipeline between Berth 6 & 5......no rescue efforts but line capped, yet a Tanker was brought onto Berth 5???? a dedicated crude Berth??? Seems it was very important to have that vessel inside and out with the utmost urgency.
Timeframe matches with "recovery" efforts on Monday.........after vessel departed.

If true and connected then $>contractor lives

Now hearing that.

But specifically, what device caused the vacuum?
Valve, pump, dislodged plug?

[wall]

.

[ru$$ell]

https://www.cnc3.co.tt/paria-responds-to-lmcs-limited/

Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria) first and foremost extends sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Fazal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar, Yusuf Henry and Kazim Ali Jr, the four divers who so tragically lost their lives following a work incident on Friday 25th February 2022, at Paria’s facility in Pointe-à-Pierre.

This has been a profound loss for the families, their employer LMCS Limited (LMCS), Paria, and indeed, the entire country. Understandably, there has been much said about this incident.

Unfortunately, the majority of what has been said with respect to the role of Paria, is not only inaccurate but also unjust. It is Paria’s considered view, that it was not appropriate at any time prior, to engage in any discourse which would unnecessarily distract from this tragedy and its impact on the families involved.

However, given the decision by LMCS to issue what can only be described as an unfortunate release, Paria is now compelled to provide clarity on certain issues.

Since June 2021, LMCS has been engaged in the maintenance project with respect to the 30” pipeline located at No. 36 Sealine Riser on Berth No. 6 at the Paria facility. Prior to the commencement of this project, the said pipeline had been inactive – since even before Paria commenced operations in December 2018 – and it would remain inactive until the project was completed.

It is therefore important to note that there is no pipe connection mechanism, machinery, or equipment whatsoever connected to the section of pipeline under repair, so nothing could have been switched on or activated by Paria, to change the condition of the pipeline while the project was being undertaken by LMCS.

Friday’s incident occurred at around 2:45 pm while five divers were working in LMCS’ hyperbaric chamber and were being monitored by LMCS employees on a nearby barge when a splash was observed within LMCS’s hyperbaric chamber and concurrently, video from the cameras within the chamber ceased operating.

Upon being notified of the incident by LMCS, Paria immediately activated its Incident Management Team. Paria also contacted emergency response organisations, including the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSH), and the South West Regional Health Authority.

Dive support operators – Mitchell’s Professional Diving Services Company Limited and Offshore Technology Solution Limited – were also contacted. Further assistance was sought from Eastern Divers Company Limited. The external service providers arrived at various times on Friday evening to assist with the rescue effort.

The Commercial Diver Operations Supervisor from Heritage Petroleum Company Limited was also on site to support the Incident Command Team. Paria was informed by the owner of LMCS, Kazim Ali, that his company would notify the families of its five employees. As part of its emergency response plan, LMCS launched a search and rescue operation. An LMCS employee entered the hyperbaric chamber and advised that there was no sign of the divers or the dive cylinders. Paria’s marine security supported the search with vessels, focused on the waters surrounding both the LMCS hyperbaric chamber and the pipeline.

Approximately three hours after the start of the rescue operation, it was reported that a sound was heard from inside the pipeline. Mr. Christopher Boodram, one of the five divers, was found in scuba gear as he surfaced at the top of the pipeline within LMCS’s hyperbaric chamber.

Mr. Boodram was pulled out from the top of the pipeline by Mr. Michael Kurban, a diver who was assisting LMCS in its operations. Mr. Boodram was stabilised and rushed to the hospital for treatment. Paria’s Incident Management Team was informed of Mr. Boodram’s rescue at 5:45pm.

Paria was advised that Mr. Kurban entered the pipeline on more than one occasion in an attempt to locate other divers and was only able to retrieve some diving equipment. No further divers were found. Mr. Kurban later contemplated other entries which would have involved him proceeding further into the pipeline.

It was determined by Paria – and supported by the Coast Guard, the OSH Agency, and external experts – that it was too dangerous for anyone to proceed further into the pipeline without posing significant risk to life. It is important to note that the vertical drop from the hyperbaric chamber to the seabed is approximately 60 feet within a 30” diameter pipe.

By way of video footage from a remotely operated camera sent down into the pipeline, it was discovered that at approximately 80 feet, tanks were wedged against the wall of the said pipeline as it ran along the seabed creating an obstruction which prevented the remote camera from proceeding any further and locating any of the divers.

With respect to the allegation that Paria was uncooperative during the rescue exercise, apart from what is set out above, we acknowledge LMCS’ contribution to the Paria release of February 27th 2022, which reads as follows: “We have been working closely with Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd. (Paria) from the beginning of the incident to reach our divers. The Paria team has been fully supportive throughout this process and continues to provide all its resources to support our efforts, including people, capability and equipment.”

With regard to informing the families of the deceased LMCS divers that the exercise had moved from a rescue to a recovery operation, this was done by Paria’s management on Saturday 26th February 2022 between the hours of 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Given the complexities and sensitivities associated with this incident, continued misinformation, speculation and wild allegations only serve to further increase the trauma and hurt of all of those involved, which includes the grieving families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, along with those who were involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.

On Monday 28th February 2022, the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries announced that there would be an independent investigation into this incident to ascertain the facts and the root cause of the incident. Certainly, Paria will provide any and all of the relevant details, documentation and recordings, and participate fully in the process.

We ask that we all await the outcome of the investigations before arriving at any further conclusions. Paria wishes to express its very deep gratitude to all who participated in the very difficult rescue and later, recovery exercise. We again unreservedly extend our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with the families, colleagues and loved ones at this extremely devastating time.

[sMASH]

Rescue team supposed to be standby, not on call.

Again, they ain't say what cause the vacuum.
And securing the system is paria jurisdiction.

They said a bubble came from lcms diving bell. Making it sound like lcms equipment at fault.

[timelapse]

Watch this folly now.The pipe wasn't connected to anything?Paria attempting to control the narrative with lies and damn lies.These people fvcking evil yes

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

https://www.cnc3.co.tt/paria-responds-to-lmcs-limited/

Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria) first and foremost extends sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Fazal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar, Yusuf Henry and Kazim Ali Jr, the four divers who so tragically lost their lives following a work incident on Friday 25th February 2022, at Paria’s facility in Pointe-à-Pierre.

This has been a profound loss for the families, their employer LMCS Limited (LMCS), Paria, and indeed, the entire country. Understandably, there has been much said about this incident.

Unfortunately, the majority of what has been said with respect to the role of Paria, is not only inaccurate but also unjust. It is Paria’s considered view, that it was not appropriate at any time prior, to engage in any discourse which would unnecessarily distract from this tragedy and its impact on the families involved.

However, given the decision by LMCS to issue what can only be described as an unfortunate release, Paria is now compelled to provide clarity on certain issues.

Since June 2021, LMCS has been engaged in the maintenance project with respect to the 30” pipeline located at No. 36 Sealine Riser on Berth No. 6 at the Paria facility. Prior to the commencement of this project, the said pipeline had been inactive – since even before Paria commenced operations in December 2018 – and it would remain inactive until the project was completed.

It is therefore important to note that there is no pipe connection mechanism, machinery, or equipment whatsoever connected to the section of pipeline under repair, so nothing could have been switched on or activated by Paria, to change the condition of the pipeline while the project was being undertaken by LMCS.

Friday’s incident occurred at around 2:45 pm while five divers were working in LMCS’ hyperbaric chamber and were being monitored by LMCS employees on a nearby barge when a splash was observed within LMCS’s hyperbaric chamber and concurrently, video from the cameras within the chamber ceased operating.

Upon being notified of the incident by LMCS, Paria immediately activated its Incident Management Team. Paria also contacted emergency response organisations, including the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSH), and the South West Regional Health Authority.

Dive support operators – Mitchell’s Professional Diving Services Company Limited and Offshore Technology Solution Limited – were also contacted. Further assistance was sought from Eastern Divers Company Limited. The external service providers arrived at various times on Friday evening to assist with the rescue effort.

The Commercial Diver Operations Supervisor from Heritage Petroleum Company Limited was also on site to support the Incident Command Team. Paria was informed by the owner of LMCS, Kazim Ali, that his company would notify the families of its five employees. As part of its emergency response plan, LMCS launched a search and rescue operation. An LMCS employee entered the hyperbaric chamber and advised that there was no sign of the divers or the dive cylinders. Paria’s marine security supported the search with vessels, focused on the waters surrounding both the LMCS hyperbaric chamber and the pipeline.

Approximately three hours after the start of the rescue operation, it was reported that a sound was heard from inside the pipeline. Mr. Christopher Boodram, one of the five divers, was found in scuba gear as he surfaced at the top of the pipeline within LMCS’s hyperbaric chamber.

Mr. Boodram was pulled out from the top of the pipeline by Mr. Michael Kurban, a diver who was assisting LMCS in its operations. Mr. Boodram was stabilised and rushed to the hospital for treatment. Paria’s Incident Management Team was informed of Mr. Boodram’s rescue at 5:45pm.

Paria was advised that Mr. Kurban entered the pipeline on more than one occasion in an attempt to locate other divers and was only able to retrieve some diving equipment. No further divers were found. Mr. Kurban later contemplated other entries which would have involved him proceeding further into the pipeline.

It was determined by Paria – and supported by the Coast Guard, the OSH Agency, and external experts – that it was too dangerous for anyone to proceed further into the pipeline without posing significant risk to life. It is important to note that the vertical drop from the hyperbaric chamber to the seabed is approximately 60 feet within a 30” diameter pipe.

By way of video footage from a remotely operated camera sent down into the pipeline, it was discovered that at approximately 80 feet, tanks were wedged against the wall of the said pipeline as it ran along the seabed creating an obstruction which prevented the remote camera from proceeding any further and locating any of the divers.

With respect to the allegation that Paria was uncooperative during the rescue exercise, apart from what is set out above, we acknowledge LMCS’ contribution to the Paria release of February 27th 2022, which reads as follows: “We have been working closely with Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd. (Paria) from the beginning of the incident to reach our divers. The Paria team has been fully supportive throughout this process and continues to provide all its resources to support our efforts, including people, capability and equipment.”

With regard to informing the families of the deceased LMCS divers that the exercise had moved from a rescue to a recovery operation, this was done by Paria’s management on Saturday 26th February 2022 between the hours of 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Given the complexities and sensitivities associated with this incident, continued misinformation, speculation and wild allegations only serve to further increase the trauma and hurt of all of those involved, which includes the grieving families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, along with those who were involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.

On Monday 28th February 2022, the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries announced that there would be an independent investigation into this incident to ascertain the facts and the root cause of the incident. Certainly, Paria will provide any and all of the relevant details, documentation and recordings, and participate fully in the process.

We ask that we all await the outcome of the investigations before arriving at any further conclusions. Paria wishes to express its very deep gratitude to all who participated in the very difficult rescue and later, recovery exercise. We again unreservedly extend our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with the families, colleagues and loved ones at this extremely devastating time.

I’m confused.
They still don’t know what caused the suction?

[AbstractPoetic]

They're trying to place the blame on the divers. They had all weekend whilst the men were still alive to fabricate the lies. Disgusting.

[gastly369]

https://www.cnc3.co.tt/paria-responds-to-lmcs-limited/

Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria) first and foremost extends sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Fazal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar, Yusuf Henry and Kazim Ali Jr, the four divers who so tragically lost their lives following a work incident on Friday 25th February 2022, at Paria’s facility in Pointe-à-Pierre.

This has been a profound loss for the families, their employer LMCS Limited (LMCS), Paria, and indeed, the entire country. Understandably, there has been much said about this incident.

Unfortunately, the majority of what has been said with respect to the role of Paria, is not only inaccurate but also unjust. It is Paria’s considered view, that it was not appropriate at any time prior, to engage in any discourse which would unnecessarily distract from this tragedy and its impact on the families involved.

However, given the decision by LMCS to issue what can only be described as an unfortunate release, Paria is now compelled to provide clarity on certain issues.

Since June 2021, LMCS has been engaged in the maintenance project with respect to the 30” pipeline located at No. 36 Sealine Riser on Berth No. 6 at the Paria facility. Prior to the commencement of this project, the said pipeline had been inactive – since even before Paria commenced operations in December 2018 – and it would remain inactive until the project was completed.

It is therefore important to note that there is no pipe connection mechanism, machinery, or equipment whatsoever connected to the section of pipeline under repair, so nothing could have been switched on or activated by Paria, to change the condition of the pipeline while the project was being undertaken by LMCS.

Friday’s incident occurred at around 2:45 pm while five divers were working in LMCS’ hyperbaric chamber and were being monitored by LMCS employees on a nearby barge when a splash was observed within LMCS’s hyperbaric chamber and concurrently, video from the cameras within the chamber ceased operating.

Upon being notified of the incident by LMCS, Paria immediately activated its Incident Management Team. Paria also contacted emergency response organisations, including the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSH), and the South West Regional Health Authority.

Dive support operators – Mitchell’s Professional Diving Services Company Limited and Offshore Technology Solution Limited – were also contacted. Further assistance was sought from Eastern Divers Company Limited. The external service providers arrived at various times on Friday evening to assist with the rescue effort.

The Commercial Diver Operations Supervisor from Heritage Petroleum Company Limited was also on site to support the Incident Command Team. Paria was informed by the owner of LMCS, Kazim Ali, that his company would notify the families of its five employees. As part of its emergency response plan, LMCS launched a search and rescue operation. An LMCS employee entered the hyperbaric chamber and advised that there was no sign of the divers or the dive cylinders. Paria’s marine security supported the search with vessels, focused on the waters surrounding both the LMCS hyperbaric chamber and the pipeline.

Approximately three hours after the start of the rescue operation, it was reported that a sound was heard from inside the pipeline. Mr. Christopher Boodram, one of the five divers, was found in scuba gear as he surfaced at the top of the pipeline within LMCS’s hyperbaric chamber.

Mr. Boodram was pulled out from the top of the pipeline by Mr. Michael Kurban, a diver who was assisting LMCS in its operations. Mr. Boodram was stabilised and rushed to the hospital for treatment. Paria’s Incident Management Team was informed of Mr. Boodram’s rescue at 5:45pm.

Paria was advised that Mr. Kurban entered the pipeline on more than one occasion in an attempt to locate other divers and was only able to retrieve some diving equipment. No further divers were found. Mr. Kurban later contemplated other entries which would have involved him proceeding further into the pipeline.

It was determined by Paria – and supported by the Coast Guard, the OSH Agency, and external experts – that it was too dangerous for anyone to proceed further into the pipeline without posing significant risk to life. It is important to note that the vertical drop from the hyperbaric chamber to the seabed is approximately 60 feet within a 30” diameter pipe.

By way of video footage from a remotely operated camera sent down into the pipeline, it was discovered that at approximately 80 feet, tanks were wedged against the wall of the said pipeline as it ran along the seabed creating an obstruction which prevented the remote camera from proceeding any further and locating any of the divers.

With respect to the allegation that Paria was uncooperative during the rescue exercise, apart from what is set out above, we acknowledge LMCS’ contribution to the Paria release of February 27th 2022, which reads as follows: “We have been working closely with Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd. (Paria) from the beginning of the incident to reach our divers. The Paria team has been fully supportive throughout this process and continues to provide all its resources to support our efforts, including people, capability and equipment.”

With regard to informing the families of the deceased LMCS divers that the exercise had moved from a rescue to a recovery operation, this was done by Paria’s management on Saturday 26th February 2022 between the hours of 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Given the complexities and sensitivities associated with this incident, continued misinformation, speculation and wild allegations only serve to further increase the trauma and hurt of all of those involved, which includes the grieving families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, along with those who were involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.

On Monday 28th February 2022, the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries announced that there would be an independent investigation into this incident to ascertain the facts and the root cause of the incident. Certainly, Paria will provide any and all of the relevant details, documentation and recordings, and participate fully in the process.

We ask that we all await the outcome of the investigations before arriving at any further conclusions. Paria wishes to express its very deep gratitude to all who participated in the very difficult rescue and later, recovery exercise. We again unreservedly extend our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with the families, colleagues and loved ones at this extremely devastating time.

I’m confused.
They still don’t know what caused the suction?

Bro the "management" of paria / heritage LITERALLY don't know their foot from their head.....

[sMASH]

The vacuum just appear out of thin air.
Like alwari chirren.

[16 cycles]

Akin to bleeding hydraulic brakes...air bubble can exist.

If there is activity on the line...it might release

[pugboy]

we need an animation diagram so we can form our own conclusions

[timelapse]

What they want you to believe is that these men fell down under water and landed inside a pipe that would normally be difficult to get in.

[S_2NR]

Akin to bleeding hydraulic brakes...air bubble can exist.

If there is activity on the line...it might release

Dont you dare bring logic to this discussion lol

[goalpost]

Air bubble caused the suction? Idk. I'm just asking

[pugboy]

to me it should be the opp
the pressurized air in habitat would push water down the pipe
so any loss of of pressure should result in water rushing upwards

[carluva]

Also, where is the contractor in all this?
Shouldn't they be at least partially liable for what happened?
Where is the public outcry for them?

This is a very good point.

The contractor may have partial blame in this accident if the contractor did not ensure that the safety measures were in place prior to executing the job (per the job risk assessment if there was one) OR of the contractor deviated from the procedure.

However, if the contractor was executing the job per the "procedure" and with the recommendations of the risk assessment, but Paria deviated from procedure or failed to properly implement a recommendation of the risk assessment, Paria is fully to blame. You can argue that the contractor ought to cross verify Paria's safety checks and if this was not done, well this is a contributing factor.

The reality is that in accidents and incidents, there is no single cause. These are due to many smaller root causes failing and leading up to the accident or incident.

A proper investigation will uncover the root causes. I'm not confident that anything "proper" will be done and people will continue to want a single cause as the reason.

While Paria is no doubt at fault, there is no doubt that the contractor had a part to play in the deaths of these persons.

[djruncrowd]

to me it should be the opp
the pressurized air in habitat would push water down the pipe
so any loss of of pressure should result in water rushing upwards

The interview with the former superintendent mr.ramjattan said that a valve on the compressor supplying air to the hyperbaric chamber was turned off and back on resulting in chamber loosing pressure and sea water rushing into the chamber

[goalpost]

What about the permit to work?
This is a guarantee by the client that the equipment the contractor is about to work on is safe. The permit should indicate how the equipment has been made safe.

Where I work, only an Authorized Person is allowed to issue a permit. Once the contractor signs the permit, the equipment is his to manage provided he stays within the confines of the equipment described in the permit.

So Paria was supposed to have issued LMCS a permit, I'm presuming. No condition should've changed while the permit is enforced.

[timelapse]

to me it should be the opp
the pressurized air in habitat would push water down the pipe
so any loss of of pressure should result in water rushing upwards

The interview with the former superintendent mr.ramjattan said that a valve on the compressor supplying air to the hyperbaric chamber was turned off and back on resulting in chamber loosing pressure and sea water rushing into the chamber

Paria saying the valve doesn't exist