Corpus Christi, TX – The U.S. Coast Guard responded to an explosion that occurred early Friday morning in the Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel after a dredging vessel struck an underwater propane pipeline. 18 workers were in the vicinity at the time.
Six people sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospitals, according to Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales. A search is still underway for four other crew members who were reportedly aboard the dredging vessel Waymon L. Boyd, owned by Orion Marine Group out of Port Lavaca.
“Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area,” said Governor Abbott in a statement. TCEQ have not reported any concerning levels of toxic exposure.
The Corpus Christi Fire Department and the Refinery Terminal Fire Company were able to contain the fire and the inner harbor of the ship channel has been closed.
Commander Captain Edward Gaynor of the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news conference that 6,000 gallons of diesel were spilled.
An investigation is underway by the National Transportation Safety Board. The Port of Corpus Christi will also conduct an investigation.
Offshore employees already face significant dangers on a daily basis. Negligence in this field can easily lead to fires or explosions that can cause devastating and often deadly injuries. The Jones Act is a federal law that allows offshore employees to recover damages from their employers for on-the-job injuries caused by negligence. If your employer has been negligent and made you work unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
?If you have been seriously injured or if a member of your family has been injured or killed as a result of an offshore accident, you need a law firm with the right resources and history of trial victories on your side. Williams Hart & Boundas is not afraid of taking on big companies and we have the experience to back it up. Contact us today for a 100% FREE case evaluation so that you can focus on your recovery.
