An independent commission determined that improper training and panic contributed to the deaths of 22 offshore oil workers on October 23, 2007. Waves as high 25 feet and winds of 80 mph caused a drilling rig to crash into the workers’ platform, forcing 80 workers and rescue personnel to evacuate the platform by jumping in the open water or clamoring for life boats. Some of the boats became overcrowded, drowning 22 people.
The commission said the men were not adequately trained to use the lifeboats, and that human error and failure to follow procedure caused the tragedy.
