Preaccident photo of dredge vessel Waymon L. Boyd.
The National Transportation Safety Board held a virtual public board meeting on Dec. 7 to consider the draft final report on hazardous liquid pipeline strike and subsequent explosion and fire aboard the dredging vessel Waymon Boyd.
On Aug. 21, 2020, the Waymon Boyd struck a submerged 16-inch hazardous liquid propane pipeline during dredging operations in Corpus Christi, Texas. A geyser of propane gas and water erupted adjacent to the vessel. Shortly thereafter, propane gas engulfed the dredge and an explosion occurred. Fire damaged the vessel and surrounding shoreline. A total of 18 personnel employed by Orion Marine Group were working or resting on the dredge and assist boats (tender boats, anchor barges, booster barges and a supply barge) on the day of the accident. Three crewmembers aboard the Waymon Boyd and one on an adjacent anchor barge died in the explosion and fire. Six crewmembers aboard the dredge were injured, one of whom later died from his injuries. The Waymon Boyd, valued at $9.48 million, was a total loss. The cost of pipeline damage was $2.09 million.
During the meeting, the NTSB members voted on investigators' findings and recommendations as well as any changes to the draft report.
In keeping with established federal and local social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while also ensuring the NTSB’s compliance with the Government in the Sunshine Act, the board meeting for this event will be webcast to the public, with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. There will be no physical gathering to facilitate the board meeting.
WHAT: A virtual NTSB meeting on the hazardous liquid pipeline strike and subsequent explosion and fire aboard dredging vessel Waymon Boyd accident investigation.
WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members.
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern.
To receive a calendar invite, you may register to attend the meeting. Registration is optional.
HOW: A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy will take questions from reporters during a media availability scheduled to start 30 minutes after the board meeting ends. Journalists wishing to participate must send an email to [email protected]. A link with instructions will be emailed.
A recording of the availability will be made available on the NTSB YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/NTSBgov, shortly after the session.
