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The Accident Happened with Felipe do Carmo Aboard the Ocean Whittington in 2010, Which at the Time Was Operated by Petrobras. Understand This Story of Overcoming in Detail
On April 11, 2010, a serious accident occurred aboard the Ocean Whittington, operating at the time for Petrobras in Brazil, where the railway worker Felipe do Carmo (22 years old) suffered amputation of his right leg below the knee during an operation that ended up crushing his leg.
Despite the actions of the medical team aboard and later on land, including the medical evacuation rescue team, amputation was necessary to save Felipe’s life. Even with much support given to Felipe and his family, the recovery process would not be easy. It would be necessary to start relearning basic skills, requiring above all the desire to overcome the challenge before him.
Overcoming! This is the key word in Felipe’s story over the years since the accident. With the support of Diamond Offshore at the time, Felipe was able to receive advanced prosthetics and participated in numerous physical therapy sessions and medical consultations, all in an effort to accelerate recovery and help minimize the physical and emotional pain involved. Throughout this process, Felipe relied on the support of Diamond and, more importantly, the unconditional support of his wife and family.
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By the end of 2010, in the same year of the accident, Felipe was back at work, but now as an Environmental Assistant on the SSMA team at Brasdril Shorebase. Since then, he graduated from a Safety Technician program, an Environmental Management course, and completed his MBA in QSMS. In parallel, he advanced in his English fluency (Learn How to Be Fluent in English in Just 6 Months Here), knowing that this would further help his professional development.
In 2015, Felipe’s original prosthesis was requiring maintenance that the expired warranty would not cover. Diamond Offshore assessed the situation and agreed that a new prosthesis would be appropriate, as it would allow Felipe to continue his recovery. The characteristics of the new prosthesis would allow Felipe to climb stairs with greater ease and safety. It is also waterproof, allowing Felipe to enjoy aquatic activities with safety and stability. The change was made, and after three full days of physical therapy sessions and training, Felipe began the next phase of his journey, adapting very well to the new prosthesis.
In view of the advancements with this new prosthesis, the management at Brasdril and Felipe began discussing the possibility of him undergoing the necessary training so he could board his platforms to perform tasks related to his HSE role. Dr. Luciano Oliveira worked with Petrobras and Felipe on the necessary discussions and obtained approval from Diamond. Felipe then completed the required training, including CBSP (STCW), passed all the steps, and was approved without restrictions.
After some final meetings with Petrobras, Felipe’s first offshore boarding was finally approved on April 11, 2016, exactly six years after the accident. Felipe went to the Ocean Valor to attend an environmental audit, spending five days aboard the rig. With this, Felipe became the first worker with a prosthesis to travel abroad in the entire 60-year history of Petrobras, a significant achievement for Felipe and paving the way for Special Needs professionals who wish to perform offshore roles.
After all the challenges, Felipe do Carmo, currently 30 years old, now works at EQUINOR, is an example of what it takes to overcome adversities and challenges and continue to succeed.
Below Are Some Words from Felipe in His Story
“I would like to share more about my experience with all who know my life story within the company. At the time, I boarded for the first time after six years from my accident. The feeling was like being reborn, and it would not have been possible without the support of each one of you, especially Dr. Luciano, who always believed it would be possible from the very beginning when he visited me at home in 2010.
The journey was long. Six years preparing to return to offshore duties, and finally, this day arrived. Coincidence or not, my first boarding occurred on April 11, 2016, on the Ocean Valor (SS-77) on the same date that six years ago I suffered the accident on the Ocean Whittington (April 11, 2010). I am very happy to be the first person with a disability (amputated leg) in Brazil capable of boarding any Petrobras platform, just like a regular employee.
But the most important thing was to turn around and believe it would be possible to restart. Here is my heartfelt thank you to all of you and the companies that made me believe.” Authored Text by Luciano Oliveira, Global Health Manager at Diamond Offshore
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