TODAY IN ENERGY HISTORY

February 14, 2025

OCEAN RANGER DISASTER

08:08 On February 14, 1982, while drilling at Hibernia well J-34, the rig had 84 crew members aboard. At 8:00 a.m., it received a forecast of an incoming winter storm with 90-knot winds and 37-foot waves. The crew continued drilling until around 4:30 p.m., when they "hung off" the drill pipe (disconnected and retracted it for safety) and prepared to endure the storm. At approximately 7:45 p.m., a large wave impacted the Ocean Ranger and shattered windows in the Ballast Control Room.

At approximately 1:00 a.m. on February 15, 1982, a mayday call was issued, prompting several nearby ships to respond. Despite their efforts, the severe strength of the storm prevented them from rescuing those who had managed to board a lifeboat. In the days that followed, the bodies of only 22 of the 84 crew members were recovered, while the remaining 62 are still missing to this day.

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