An oil platform in the Gulf of Louisiana exploded earlier today. Owned by Mariner Energy, Vermilion Oil Platform 380 reportedly caught fire and exploded, throwing platform workers overboard.
A total of thirteen workers were aboard the oil platform at the time, all of which were hurled into the ocean when the explosion occurred, but each person has since been accounted for according to reports.
Smoke and people in the water were observed by a helicopter that circled around the oil platform that is located roughly 80 miles south of Vermilion Bay.
Oil Drilling and Environmental Protection
MSNBC has since gotten word from a Coast Guard spokesman that each of the thirteen workers aboard the oil platform were wearing the proper protective gear and immersion suits at the time of the explosion.
In a statement from Coast Guard Petty Officer John Edwards, sources have learned that one of the workers involved in the explosion was injured, although the severity of the injuries are not known at this point in time.
Edwards also added that a total of 9 helicopters, as well as a number fixed-wing aircraft and four Coast Guard cutters, have been sent to assist at the site of the explosion.
"It's more like a small offshore refining operation"
The Times-Picayune is reporting that the oil platform “was not actively producing at the time of the incident,” and that those injured in the blast would be taken to the Terrebone General Medical Center located in Houma.
The Vermilion Oil platform is a primarily oil and gas platform that runs 4580 deep and is considered, “more like a small offshore refining operation,” said International Association of Drilling Contractors president Lee Hunt.
According to answerbag.com, “offshore drilling rigs, fixed platforms, exploration and floating platforms are all oil rigs. A drilling rig may move from one location to another or float on the surface of the water. A production platform does not move.”
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
