A decommissioned oil rig went up in flames near Sabine Pass, Texas, last Thursday afternoon, forcing all those aboard to flee for their lives.
Fire Broke Out Aboard Pride Wisconsin Mobile Drilling Rig
The February 24th fire aboard the Pride Wisconsin, a mobile offshore drilling unit otherwise known as a jack-up rig, broke out shortly before 1:00 p.m. After receiving notification from a nearby dredging vessel, Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Sabine Pass and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Houston to assist.
The Port Arthur Fire Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also responded, all under the coordination of the Sector Houston-Galveston commander center personnel.
Offshore Workers Rescued by Coast Guard Helicopter
Once the Dolphin helicopter arrived, a rescue swimmer was lowered to the platform, and all 9 trapped workers were hoisted onto the aircraft.
“Thanks to the phenomenal teamwork and coordination by everyone involved, nine lives were saved,” said Capt. Keith M. Donohue, search and rescue mission coordinator for the case. “Coast Guard crews and personnel train year-round for life-saving situations like this, and we take great pleasure in knowing everyone was able to go home safely.”
Because fire crews could not access the rig, the fire was allowed to burn itself out. Both the Coast Guard and General Land Office surveyed the scene and determined there were no environmental impacts to the area.
While it’s not yet known what caused last Thursday’s offshore rig fire, it has been confirmed that all of the rescued workers were from a Sabine Pass shipyard that was salvaging the platform.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt Working Offshore
If you or a loved one were hurt while working offshore, you can be confident the company and its insurance adjuster are already working to avoid responsibility and deny you and your family full compensation for all of your injuries and loss. To protect your rights and your future, you must act quickly as well:
- Seek immediate medical treatment, even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt.
- If you require follow-up care, demand to see medical providers of YOUR CHOICE. You’re not required to limit yourself to doctors and facilities chosen – and paid – by the company or its insurer.
- Write down everything you can about the incident, including the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Don’t sign anything, make a recorded statement, or accept any money (other than your regular paycheck) before speaking with an experienced maritime lawyer who has successfully represented injured offshore workers and their families.
- Follow all medical advice and attend all doctor and therapy appointments related to your offshore injuries. Otherwise, you’ll give the company and its insurer the excuse they need to downplay your injuries and pay you less than you deserve.
Finally, speak with an experienced offshore injury lawyer – preferably one with a track record of winning the largest maritime verdicts and settlements in history – to protect your rights and learn more about your legal options.
Undefeated Maritime Lawyers with Billions Won for Offshore Workers and Families: Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult.
In addition to being Undefeated, our Experienced Maritime Lawyers have won Billions for offshore workers and their families, including:
- $9.1 Million Settlement for Injured Maritime Worker
- $5.5 Million Jones Act Seaman Settlement
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- Highly favorable (and confidential) settlements for 5 offshore workers injured during the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion.
To learn more about our success representing injured workers and their families, visit our “Results” page or Click Here to see what our clients have said about their experience with our firm.
If you or someone you love were hurt while working offshore, our attorneys are ready to help. Please call 1-888-603-3636 or click here to fill out our confidential contact form.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
Your consultation is free and confidential, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.