90 Workers Injured In Shipyard Accident

Hospitals Flooded After Accident With Rig During Construction

According to the latest reports released by media outlets, a rig that was being built in an offshore shipyard suffered a terrible accident, leaving 90 workers injured, 23 of whom are in serious or worse condition. The misfortune took place due to a malfunction in one of the jacking mechanisms that led to a collapse.

Authorities and officials with Sembcorp, the world's second largest producer of jack-up rigs, said that work had been halted while an investigation was being conducted on the incident. Initial accounts of the accident indicate that it took place in early December when a test was being performed on the legs. At approximately 10:30 am, during the test, one of the jack devices supporting the legs of the vessel suffered a malfunction, causing the ship to break free from the construction rig and fall over to one side.

Newspapers reported that witnesses heard the sound of snapping cables and explosions just before the accident. It is estimated that as many as 2,000 workers were onsite during the incident. According to official records, 89 people were admitted to four different local hospitals, having suffered injuries as a result of the collapse, with 22 victims being listed as in serious condition, and one in critical.

City officials announced that the tragic accident was a wake-up call, arguing for the need for increased safety in working conditions at the shipyard. Vigilance must always be exercised during these construction projects, they said.

"It was a serious accident, but it could have been worse," said one prominent politician, stressing that the responsibility for preventing accidents lies with everyone involved in the construction. "The investigators will find out what went wrong, and needs to be put right."

The rig was identified as being the Noble Regina Allen, one of two such vessels being built as part of a project won by Sembcorp in 2010. Estimated to cost around $400 million, the jack-up rigs are designed for drilling in shallow shores. Early reports indicate that shares in Sembcorp fell by 2.2 percent after news of the accident went public.

An Offshore Injury Lawyer Is Here For You

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident at sea as a result of the negligence of an employer or individual, you deserve justice! At Arnold & Itkin, LLP, our legal team is ready to help you pursue compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have suffered, not to mention the cost of medical bills you have likely incurred. With the help of an attorney from our firm, you can seek the justice you deserve and ensure that those responsible for your injury will think twice before making the same mistake. Please, we urge you to visit our website at www.offshoreinjuryfirm.com to learn more about the options available to you.