Rig: | Ocean Master II Jack-up |
Date: | June 1977 |
Location: | West Africa |
Activity: | Rig move |
Summary
Built April 1966 by LeTourneau, Inc. at Vicksburg, Mississippi for Loffland Brothers Company, the Ocean Master II was transported from New Orleans, US, to the port town of Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria in June 1977. It was towed by the vessels Clyde and Thames through the Carribbean during Hurricane Alma and then crossed the Atlantic without incident.
At the end of July 1977, off coast of Sierra Leone, the Clyde and Thames were relieved by the Zwarte Zee, which continued the tow towards Nigeria. After the change of boats, the rig encountered bad weather and suffered structural failure and flooding which led to the sinking and eventual loss of the rig. No further details.
Sources:
International Maritime Organization: Sub-Committee on Stability and Load Lines 
Maritime Business Strategies, LLC: LeTourneau, Inc. Construction Record
Photos
1-3. J. van der Aar: Hollands Glorie