NTSB Board Meeting - 2021 Anchor Strike Underwater Pipeline / Crude Oil Release in San Pedro Bay, CA

The National Transportation Safety Board held a virtual public board meeting Dec 5, 2023 to determine the probable cause of a crude oil leak from a crack that had developed in a subsea pipeline located in San Pedro Bay, 5 nautical miles off the coast of Huntington Beach, California on Oct 21, 2021. This is a multimodal investigation with the Office of Marine Safety (OMS) ​​and the Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations​​. OMS is the lead office.​​​
The pipeline was shut down and isolated after oil was spotted on the surface of the water. About 588 barrels of oil are estimated to have leaked from the pipeline. A post accident examination of the pipeline found a crack running longitudinally along the top of the pipeline, and about 4,000 feet of the pipeline was displaced up to 105 feet to the southeast from its original location. Additionally, near the location of the pipe breach, the seafloor was scarred from apparent dragging anchors.
During the meeting, NTSB board members discussed safety issues related to this leak as well as the need for improvements to Vessel Traffic Service vessel monitoring systems offenders. The board voted on the probable cause and findings related to the leak and safety recommendations.
www.ntsb.gov/news/events/Page...

[@2004JETTA]

Thank you for your amazing service and expertise Bruce! Wishing you clear skies and tailwinds wherever you go next!

[@SaberToothBicycle]

I am curious what damage may have been caused by anchor-chain dragging across the pipeline versus actual anchor-contact (or if that differentiation could even be determined).
In any case, I find it astonishing the amount of abuse the pipeline actually sustained--without developing any leaks (at the actual time of the anchor-dragging incidents).
The issues identified, and the recommendations made (if adopted)--especially the adoption of SMS--will indeed help prevent future incidents.
Great work once again, NTSB--and thank you, Vice Chairman, for your integrity, and your dedication to excellence in your selfless service to the furtherance of safety. All the best, Sir!

[@terencenxumalo1159]

good work

[@QuestforaMeaningfulLife]

Quality information

[@user-yn9uo1cf6n]

Important

[@keithpedersen3653]

I wish I trusted Congress as much as I trust the NTSB