UpdateTwo still missing, 11 injured from oil rig fire - Coast Guard

16 November 2012 22:17  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--Two people are still missing following a fire on a Black Elk Energy oil drilling rig that injured 11 on Friday, the US Coast Guard (USCG) said.

Nine others were evacuated to nearby rigs and platforms, said Glenn Sanchez, a USCG spokesman.

The platform is located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 20 miles south of Grand Isle, Louisiana.

“It wasn’t in current production,” Sanchez said. “The crew was doing routine maintenance when [the fire] occurred.”

The USCG cannot confirm if there was an explosion.

“A sheen has been spotted in the vicinity,” Sanchez said. “We’re trying to determine the source of that sheen.”

Black Elk Energy released a statement on its website in response to the fire.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are impacted. We have Black Elk personnel on the scene and en route. We are still collecting information at this time. We will release a statement this afternoon when we have more details.”

By: Tracy Dang
+1 713 525 2653

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