According to early Coast Guard reports, an oil and gas rig exploded and caught fire at 9:30 am central time approximately 90 miles south of Vermillion Bay off the Louisiana coastline. Thirteen individuals were on board the rig when the blast occurred. Fortunately, all thirteen people have been accounted for, although at least one is reported to be injured.
The rig, known as Vermillion Oil Rig 380, is a fixed oil and gas producer owned by Mariner Energy, a company based in Houston, Texas. The rig sits in 340 feet of water and was in production when it exploded, despite early reports that it was not.
Those who were injured were transported to Terrebone General Medical Center in Houma, Louisiana for treatment.
Mariner Energy touts itself as one of the largest lease-holders on the outer continental shelf with interests in nearly 245 federal leases and almost 35 state blocks as of 2009.
By mid-afternoon a large oil sheen could be seen emanating from the burning rig. The sheen, already a mile long and growing, is located about 200 miles west of the Macondo well where the Deepwater Horizon exploded and sank on April 20, 2010.
If you or someone you know was injured in the Mariner Energy rig explosion, contact the experienced rig explosion attorneys at Zehl & Associates, LLP today for a free consultation. As one of the first law firms to file suit against Transocean and BP following the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon, we know what it takes to go up against the biggest companies in the world and win.