Tragic Death Aboard US-Flagged Tidewater Vessel POLARIS

A crew member tragically lost their life in a maritime incident aboard the US-flagged Tidewater vessel POLARIS on June 2, during operations in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, the crew member could not be saved.

Tidewater confirmed the fatality in a statement, expressing condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues affected by the loss. Molly Morris, senior vice president for Equinor Renewables Americas, acknowledged the tragedy and extended sympathies to those grieving.

The POLARIS, a DP2 platform supply vessel built in 2014, is currently moored in the New York Harbor area following the incident. While details of the vessel’s operations were not disclosed, Equinor is known for its involvement in the Empire Wind offshore wind project off the coast of New York.

The United States Coast Guard is actively investigating the cause of the incident, with Tidewater committing to full cooperation in the investigative process. The $5 billion Empire Wind 1 project, aimed at powering 500,000 New York homes by 2027, recently resumed construction after a temporary suspension.

Previously halted by the Trump Administration, the project faced regulatory challenges that delayed progress. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had issued a stop-work order, citing concerns about the approval process under the previous administration.

Further details about the incident have not been disclosed at this time, with Tidewater promising to provide updates as necessary.