Skip to main content

BSEE to Convene Panel Investigation into Tragic Incident at Vermilion Block 200 A Platform

October 31 2013 - The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will convene an Investigative Panel to investigate an incident that resulted in a fatality on an offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

The incident took place October 27, 2013 on a platform located more than 55 miles south of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. Peter Jorge E. Voces was working on the Vermilion Block 200 A Platform, which is operated by ERT/Talos Energy, LLC., when he fell into the water. Mr. Voces was a member of a derrick barge crew that was dismantling the platform when the incident occurred.

"My sincerest condolences go out to the family of Mr. Voces," said BSEE Director Brian Salerno. "We are assembling a panel of experts who will conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident. We are committed to a complete investigation to identify the cause of the incident and to identify approaches to enhance the safety of future operations."

The panel will include BSEE inspectors, investigators and engineers from both the Gulf of Mexico Region and Headquarters in addition to a representative from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Panel will issue a report with its findings once the investigation is completed.