NTSB Safety Recommendation P-90-032

NTSB safety recommendation P-90-032.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE U.S. COAST GUARD: ASSIST THE RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EFFECTIVE METHODS AND REQUIREMENTS TO BURY, PROTECT, INSPECT THE BURIAL DEPTH OF, AND MAINTAIN ALL SUBMERGED PIPELINES IN AREAS SUBJECT TO DAMAGE BY SURFACE VESSELS AND THEIR OPERATIONS.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1990-10-01

Adopted Date: 1990-09-11

Overall Date Closed: 2001-07-23

Synopsis: ON OCTOBER 3, 1989, THE UNITED STATES FISHING VESSEL NORTHUMBERLAND STRUCK AND RUPTURED A 16-INCH-DIAMETER NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINE ABOUT 1/2 NAUTICAL MILE OFFSHORE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, AND ABOUT 5 1/3 NAUTICAL MILES WEST OF THE JETTIES AT THE ENTRANCE TO SABINE PASS, TEXAS. NATURAL GAS UNDER A PRESSURE OF 835 PSIG WAS RELEASED. AN UNDETERMINED SOURCE ON BOARD THE VESSEL IGNITED THE GAS, AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE ENTIRE VESSEL WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE ON THE VESSEL BURNED ITSELF OUT ON OCTOBER 4. LEAKING GAS FROM THE PIPELINE ALSO CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL OCTOBER 4. OF THE 14 CREW MEMBERS, 11 DIED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT.

Ntsbnumber: DCA90MM001

Report Number: PAR-90-02

Addressee Name: USCG

Addressee Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 2001-07-23

Addressee Acronym: USCG

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 2001-07-23

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: Because the Coast Guard assisted the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) in developing regulations that address this issue, with final rules published on December 5, 1991, Safety Recommendation P-90-32 to the Coast Guard is classified "Closed--Acceptable Action."

Addressee Acronym: USCG

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 2001-04-03

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: Letter Mail Controlled 04/12/2001 5:43:54 PM MC# 2010319 In its letter dated October 22, 1991, the Board classified this recommendation as "Open - Acceptable Response" pending the issuance of a Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) Final Rule regarding inspection and burial of offshore gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. RSPA published its Final Rule on December 5, 1991; therefore, we ask that this recommendation be assigned a status of "Closed--Acceptable Action."

Addressee Acronym: USCG

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1991-05-22

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: WHILE THE CG STANDS READY TO PROVIDE THE RSPA WITH ADVICE ON NAVIGATION SAFETY AS IT RELATES TO SUBMERGED PIPELINES, THE JURISDICTION, EXPERTISE & RESOURCES TO CONDUCT OVERSIGHT OF PIPELINE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR INSPECTION MUST REMAIN WITH RSPA.

Addressee Acronym: USCG

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1991-10-22

Communication Type: Official Correspondence