The Gulf of Mexico has long been a hub of offshore engineering activity, and with that comes the inherent risk of complex marine operations. In October 2017, this risk became reality when the DB1, a 350-foot by 100-foot offshore derrick barge, sank approximately 30 miles off the coast of Louisiana. The vessel was involved in decommissioning an offshore platform when severe, unforecasted weather caused it to drag its anchors and collide with the very platform it was helping dismantle. What followed was not just a marine casualty but a remarkable feat of engineering, logistics, and environmental stewardship.
The Incident
The DB1 was engaged in removing a fixed offshore platform when the weather in the Gulf of Mexico rapidly deteriorated. A violent squall passed through the region, bringing wind gusts of up to 67 mph and seas in the range of 10 to 12 feet. The unexpected storm overwhelmed the vessel’s anchoring system. As the barge lost position control, it drifted into the platform, breaching multiple compartments upon impact.
As water poured into the compromised hull, the DB1 sank to the seafloor, coming to rest atop the steel jacket structure of the offshore platform. Fortunately, all 71 personnel onboard were successfully evacuated with no injuries or loss of life. Even more remarkably, no significant pollution was reported—a testament to the immediate response protocols and emergency preparedness in place at the time.
A Salvage Operation of Unprecedented Scale
Following the incident, Resolve Marine, a globally recognised salvage and marine services company, was tasked with recovering the DB1. From the outset, the operation was unlike any other undertaken in the Americas. The DB1 was not only massive in size but also located in a precarious position—partially embedded in platform wreckage and settled on the seabed over 100 feet below the surface.
Resolve Marine’s goal was clear: to recover the DB1 in a way that minimised environmental damage, ensured safety, and preserved as much of the barge’s structure as possible for analysis and eventual dismantling. Rather than slicing the barge into manageable sections on the seafloor—a common but environmentally risky practice—Resolve engineered a one-piece lift strategy. This would become the heaviest marine salvage lift ever completed in the Western Hemisphere.
Engineering Innovation
To execute this monumental lift, Resolve Marine mobilised some of the most advanced salvage technology in the world. Central to the effort was their patented heave-compensated chain puller lift system, which allows for controlled, stable lifting of submerged structures in challenging sea states.
The lifting operation was coordinated using the CONQUEST MB1, a 1,400-tonne capacity derrick barge, alongside the RMG 302 crane barge. A team of over 40 highly experienced salvage divers and engineers worked tirelessly to rig the DB1 from beneath, preparing the massive structure for its ascent. More than 6,000 tonnes of lifting force were applied in a carefully choreographed sequence, raising the DB1 clear of the seafloor and platform debris.
Once the barge was afloat, it was transferred onto the BOABARGE 29, a semi-submersible vessel that had been submerged to the seafloor. The DB1 was manoeuvred into position and secured for transport. It was then delivered safely to Brownsville, Texas, where it was dismantled and recycled under controlled conditions.
Environmental and Strategic Impact
The salvage of the DB1 exemplified the highest standards in environmental protection and maritime safety. By opting for a one-piece lift, Resolve Marine significantly reduced the risk of pollution and disturbance to the fragile seafloor ecosystem surrounding the wreck. The operation also highlighted the importance of having contingency plans, salvage infrastructure, and skilled personnel readily available for offshore emergencies.
From a strategic standpoint, the operation served as a model for future salvage missions. It showcased the effectiveness of integrating new technology with experienced human oversight, and it reinforced the value of investing in preparedness and innovation in the maritime industry.
Conclusion
The DB1 recovery in the Gulf of Mexico stands as a landmark achievement in modern marine salvage. It combined bold engineering, technical precision, and environmental care on a scale rarely seen in offshore operations. Thanks to the leadership of Resolve Marine and the dedication of every professional involved, the operation was a success by every measurable standard—human safety, environmental responsibility, and engineering excellence.
As offshore activity continues to expand across the globe, the lessons learnt from the DB1 salvage will serve as a blueprint for safe, sustainable, and effective responses to maritime emergencies in the future.
