When Storms Strike Offshore Vessels in Transit

As we approach the middle of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, much of the focus falls on fixed oil rigs and production platforms—but what about the workers in between? From offshore supply vessels and crew boats to mobile rigs and barges, thousands of maritime workers spend their days in transit, moving between land and sea. When storms develop quickly and companies fail to heed weather warnings, the consequences can be disastrous.

One of the worst in recent years happened on April 13, 2021, in the Gulf of Mexico. The SEACOR Power, a liftboat servicing oil and gas platforms off the Louisiana coast, capsized in a sudden squall with 80+ mph winds and 7-to-10-foot seas. The crew had attempted to lower the vessel’s legs and elevate it, but the storm arrived too quickly.

19 people were on board. Only 6 survived.

The tragedy raised serious questions about why the vessel left port in the first place, given active weather warnings. Investigations pointed to miscommunication, pressure to meet project timelines, and a failure to prioritize crew safety over operations.

Vessels in Transit vs. Fixed Rigs

Unlike fixed rigs, vessels in transit are constantly moving—often hours or days away from the nearest port. When a tropical storm or hurricane rapidly intensifies, their options are limited. It might seem that a vessel in motion would stand more of a chance against a massive storm, but the reality is that it simply faces different challenges than a fixed rig.

Drilling rigs and production platforms are anchored to the seafloor and built to endure high winds and rough seas. While evacuation is essential, the structure itself is designed to remain in place during a storm. Operators can shut in wells, secure equipment, and get crews out by helicopter or boat—with enough advance warning. If evacuation happens on time, the platform may suffer damage, but the people are usually safe.

Crew boats, OSVs, barges, and mobile rigs don’t have the luxury of staying put as they try to weather a storm. They’re either in motion or tied off at temporary locations with limited protection.

When storms form or change direction, these vessels:

• Can’t always outrun the weather
• May lose propulsion or steering in rough seas
• Are at risk of capsizing or flooding due to high waves
• Carry cargo and equipment that can become deadly when unsecured

One could look at a fixed platform as somewhat of a bunker, with evacuation as the primary safeguard. A vessel is a moving target, relying on early decision-making and safe harbor access to avoid disaster. Once the storm hits, it’s often too late to get out.

The loss of the SEACOR Power and the majority of her crew is a tragic example of that.

Sudden Storm Sinks the Baylor J. Tregre (May 2024)

On May 13, 2024, the Baylor J. Tregre was towing a barge loaded with a helideck and production platform about 23 nautical miles south of Galveston, Texas. According to an incident report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crew of four—a captain, a mate, and two deckhands—reported encountering mild conditions, but a severe thunderstorm warning was issued soon after.

Without receiving the updated special marine warning over VHF, the vessel was struck by a sudden storm with winds intensifying from 45 knots (about 52 mph) to 74-87 knots (about 85 to 100 mph). The barge was pushed to the tug’s port side, pulling the stern over and creating a heel that the crew could not counter, a phenomenon known as overwhelming towline force.

With engines dead in the rough seas and unable to release the tow (the emergency release was located in the partially submerged doghouse, with no quick-release mechanism at the helm), the Baylor J. Tregre continued capsizing. The crew escaped into a self-deployed life raft, with one deckhand suffering minor injuries in the process. The vessel sank, inverted, and was later salvaged, with estimated damage reaching $2 million.

Hurricane Zeta Sends the Thor Adrift (October 2020)

Even vessels not currently at sea may face risks in severe storms. In late October 2020, the derrick barge Thor was moored at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, as Hurricane Zeta bore down on the Gulf. Though most personnel had been evacuated, 18 crew members remained aboard under orders to ride out the storm.

As Zeta intensified to Category 2 strength—with storm surges up to 9 feet and winds exceeding 110 mph—the Thor broke loose from its moorings and drifted into the channel. The barge collided with multiple vessels and narrowly missed a nearby offshore service vessel, all of which was captured on video. Finally, its anchor caught about six miles offshore.

The aftermath for the crew was grim. They endured the ordeal for more than 14 hours, facing violent seas and multiple impacts. Although they survived, crew members sustained serious injuries and could not access proper medical care until rescue teams arrived.

Consequences of Delayed Evacuations & Continued Operations

When vessels continue operations or are not evacuated in the face of clear weather warnings, they can quickly be overwhelmed by sudden storms. Large-scale disasters make headlines, but smaller incidents happen every hurricane season.

These aren’t tragedies born from bad luck—they’re the result of decisions to:

• Proceed despite forecasts
• Rely solely on outdated or fragile communication systems
• Prioritize timelines over crew safety

The crew of the Thor could have suffered the same fate as that of the SEACOR Power, had the vessel continued to drift or impacted another vessel with more serious consequences. Whether their vessels are moored or in open water, owners and operators have a legal and moral obligation to put the safety of their crews first.

That means:

• Continuously monitoring weather forecasts
• Making timely decisions to seek shelter or delay departures
• Ensuring proper emergency training and life-saving equipment are in place
• Avoiding “business as usual” operations when storm systems are forming

Holding Owners & Operators Accountable After Storm-Related Losses

The Jones Act and general maritime law hold vessel owners accountable when negligence and unseaworthiness lead to preventable injuries or deaths. Ignoring NOAA warnings, delaying evasive action, or pressuring captains to proceed through dangerous conditions are all potential grounds for liability. Unfortunately, offshore operators and maritime companies have a history of prioritizing operations and production, with disastrous results.

The sea is unpredictable. The duty to protect crews is not. At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve represented offshore crew members and families who have lost loved ones in preventable maritime disasters—hard-working men and women who expected to be kept safe, only to be left trapped in the path of a storm.

Our maritime attorneys believe every crew member deserves clear communication, functioning safety gear, and the power to say no to unsafe conditions. And when those rights are denied, we fight to set things right. No matter what.

To find out more about your rights and options, reach out to our team now at (888) 346-5024 or contact us online.