That job in Port Fourchon almost got me killed

I was doing a pipeline inspection in Port Fourchon, Louisiana about two months ago, and the current was way stronger than the forecast said. We were at like 85 feet down and suddenly this big steel pipe fitting broke loose from the barge above and came straight down past me maybe 10 feet away. I could feel the water push from it, honestly scared the crap out of me. Now I always check the weather and current reports myself before I even suit up, and I make the tender double check all lift points topside. Anyone else have a close call like that where it was something on the surface almost got you instead of the work below?

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patricia2621mo ago

Man, that's terrifying (and I've had my share of close calls underwater). It's wild how something as simple as a loose fitting on the surface can turn into a life-or-death situation below, especially when you're already focused on the work. I totally agree with you on checking the weather yourself too, because those forecasts can be way off and it's your neck on the line.

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the_wendy1mo ago

Hold up, 85 feet down and a pipe fitting comes loose from the barge? That's insane, I can't believe it didn't hit you. The fact that you felt the water push from it is wild, that would have made me panic underwater for sure. And it came from the surface, not even the job itself. That's the kind of thing that gives you nightmares for weeks.

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