Daniel Navarrete, 42, of New Braunfels, Texas
fell through an open hatch Thursday in a pit at a Nabors Industries rig north of New Town, according to Mountrail County Sheriff Corey Bristol.
Other workers tried to rescue Navarrete and even drained the pit, the Bismarck Tribune reported Friday, but Navarrete died at the scene.
https://www.fox19.com/2023/01/09/oil-rig-worker-dies-after-falling-into-pit/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=wxix
It's dangerous out there, and even the simplest things can kill.
There are times I have been walking the gratings that serve as a deck up on the mud tanks and not been able to see the deck for the clouds of water vapor over them, especially in winter. I just stop and wait until I can see.
Reserve pits (dug into the ground) are no longer used here, all drilling fluids are circulated in a closed system, so it is likely that the term 'pit' actually describes a mud tank, an open topped truck-portable rectangular pit 8-10 feet deep and 40 or so ft. long, with dividers, plumbing, and a deck composed of steel grating on top.
There are access hatches in that grating for the purposes of taking drilling fluid samples, checking pit sensors, and cleaning the pit when the well is done. If left open and someone falls in, especially while the rig is circulating drilling fluid, getting out without immediate help could be very difficult, especially weighed down by winter clothing.
Prayers up for his family, friends, and the surviving crew on the rig.
