Speaker expresses fear of the ocean due to its vastness and dangers.
Mention of the Biford Dolphin incident as an example of a horrific accident caused by miscommunication and physics.
Viewer discretion advised due to the graphic nature of the content.
Overview of the Biford Dolphin
Biford Dolphin was an oil drilling rig off the coast of Norway.
Described as a semi-submersible rig capable of operating in deep waters (up to 1,500 feet) and drilling down to 2,000 feet.
Previous accident in 1976 where six crew members died when a lifeboat capsized.
Saturation Diving
Four saturation divers were working on the Biford Dolphin in 1983.
Definition of saturation diving: Staying at a certain pressure for extended periods to avoid decompression sickness (the bends).
Decompression sickness: Occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream during rapid ascent.
Divers work in a pressurized chamber to maintain pressure equilibrium with the ocean floor.
The high risks associated with saturation diving include:
Potential for nitrogen narcosis.
Difficulties in communication.
Psychological stress of confinement.
The Incident (November 5, 1983)
At 4 AM, four divers and two tenders were operating the rig.
The two divers, Bjorn Bergersen and Truls Hellevik, were returning from a dive.
The diving bell was connected to the pressurized living quarters for transfer.
Errors during the depressurization process led to a catastrophic accident:
Diver Truls was closing the door when the locking collar was improperly released.
The diving bell detached, resulting in rapid depressurization.
Consequences of the Depressurization
The rapid change in pressure resulted in:
Truls being violently expelled through the doorway.
Injuries described in graphic detail from the coroner's report:
Body parts separated from the torso.
Organs expelled from the body.
Other divers (Roy Lucas and Edwin Coward) died due to similar pressure-related issues, but their bodies remained intact.
Their blood boiled instantaneously due to the rapid pressure drop.
Investigation and Aftermath
Initial investigation blamed the accident solely on the actions of the diver and crew member Crammond, who released the collar.
Criticism of the rig's design for allowing one person to cause such a catastrophic failure.
Discovery of a newer locking mechanism that could have prevented the accident, which the rig did not implement due to being an older design.
Norwegian government faced lawsuits from victims' families, leading to a settlement in 2008 after new evidence emerged about neglect of safety protocols.
Lessons Learned
The tragedy of the Biford Dolphin incident highlighted:
The need for improved safety measures in saturation diving.
The importance of communication and protocols in high-risk environments.
Since the incident, no accidents as severe have occurred, leading to better safety standards in diving practices.
Conclusion
Acknowledgment of the tragic nature of the events and the potential for human error in dangerous environments.
Thankfulness for the interest and support from the audience.